Sammy Smith, a full-time competitor in the NASCAR Xfinity Series for Joe Gibbs Racing, will join TRICON Garage for his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut at Daytona International Speedway, the organization announced Friday.
The 18-year-old will be the first of multiple drivers to serve as an interim pilot of the No. 17 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, as Taylor Gray, the entry’s announced full-time driver, won’t be old enough to start his full-time rookie campaign until Circuit of The Americas.
Smith, who will compete for Rookie of The Year honors in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, comes off a six-win season in the ARCA Menards Series, where he was able to capture championships in both the ARCA Menards Series East, and the Sioux Chief Showdown.
In addition to his impressive tenure in the ARCA Menards Series, Smith contested a nine-race stint in the NASCAR Xfinity Series last season, scoring a single top-five and three top-10 results, including a career-best third at Watkins Glen International.
Sponsorship for the season-opening event at Daytona International Speedway will come from Mobil1, a long-time supporter of Toyota Racing Development in NASCAR’s top-three series.
