Garrett Smithley, a long-time competitor in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, has inked a deal with JD Motorsports to compete in the opening four events of the 2024 season, the team announced via a press release on Tuesday.
A native of Ligonier, Pennsylvania, Smithley will pilot the No. 6 Chevrolet Camaro in events at Daytona (February 17), Atlanta (February 24), Las Vegas (March 2), and Phoenix (March 9).
Sponsorship for the effort will come from Z&M Harley Davidson, based out of Greensburg, Pennsylvania. The 31-year-old driver will also welcome sponsors Black Draft Farms, Resorts Cancellation Services, and Trophy Tractor to his four-race effort with JD Motorsports in 2024.
“Racing runs deep within the DNA of Z&M Harley-Davidson. Both Owner, Jim McMahan, and Parts Manager Doug McMahan grew up racing motocross before graduating to Harley-Davidson street bikes. Teaming up with Garrett Smithley Racing, a local hometown racer, for the biggest race of the year, was a great opportunity. The “support local” message is so important to Z&M Harley-Davidson and really is the core motivation driving this effort.”
A veteran of 158 NASCAR Xfinity Series starts, Smithley re-joined JD Motorsports last season for a major program in the second-tier series, scoring a series-high finish of 16th place at Daytona International Speedway in August.
“We’re excited to have Garrett [Smithley] back with us for these races,” said Johnny Davis, owner of JD Motorsports. “His dedication, talent, and professionalism make him a valuable asset to our team, and we look forward to seeing him represent us on track.”
In his earlier tenure with the Johnny Davis-owned organization, Smithley scored a single top-five result at Daytona International Speedway, finishing fifth in the 2018 season-opener while driving the No. 0 Chevrolet.
“I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity to go to Daytona and start out the 2024 season,” said Smithley. “It’s no secret the struggles we had last year, but Johnny and I have a long history together, and we are survivors in this sport. We have some great partners that allow us to do this and I’m grateful for them giving me the chance to stay in the series. We are excited to work hard together to work with our partners to elevate our competition level.”
At Daytona, Smithley will work alongside Dawson Cram, who was tapped earlier in the off-season to serve as the full-time driver of the No. 4 Chevrolet Camaro, the team’s flagship entry.
