Sammy Smith will join the ARCA Menards Series driver lienup for Joe Gibbs Racing in 2021, piloting the No. 18 Engine Ice Toyota Camry in six events between the ARCA Menards Series East and West.
The 16-year-old will make his ARCA Menards Series East debut at New Smyrna Speedway on February 8th, before competing in the series’ next four events at Pensacola (February 27), Nashville (May 8), Dover (May 14) and Southern National (June 12) and is also scheduled to pilot the No. 18 Engine Ice Toyota Camry in the season-finale for the ARCA Menards Series West at Phoenix Raceway (November 6).
Smith is coming off an impressive debut season in Super Late Models, where he drove the No. 51 Toyota Camry for Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM). He captured the win on the first night of competition at the World Series of Asphalt held at New Smyrna Speedway. Before joining KBM, the Des Moines, Iowa native earned recognition with impressive campaigns, first in Legend Cars and then on the Late Model circuit. In addition to making his debut in the ARCA Menards East and West Series in 2021, Smith will compete in the full season of Super Late Models behind the wheel of the No. 22 TMC Transportation Toyota Camry for Donnie Wilson Motorsports.
“Sammy has been impressive at every level of his young career. We’re looking forward to having him join our development program in the ARCA Series,” said Steve deSouza, Executive Vice President of Xfinity Series and Development for Joe Gibbs Racing.
Leading engine coolant manufacturer, Engine Ice, will support Sammy Smith’s racing efforts this season with its high-performance coolant. Engine Ice has been a mainstay in the powersports and racing world for decades and is a natural fit for the ARCA series.
“Sammy is an exceptional young talent and a rising star in the ARCA Menards series,” said Bryan Emrich, Engine Ice President. “We’re thrilled to be supporting Sammy’s team with Engine Ice, the #1 powersports coolant brand, manufactured here in the USA. Sammy is joining a family of Engine Ice racers who have competed at the highest level for the past 20 years; and we can’t wait watch him succeed.”
“This is such an exciting time for me,” said Smith. “To join a program like Joe Gibbs Racing is something I’ve dreamed about. I’m so fortunate to have the support of Engine Ice alongside me, and I hope to make them proud. I want to learn as much as I can, and I can’t wait to get started.”
The ARCA Menards Series East season will kick-off with the Jeep Beach 175 at New Smyrna Speedway on Monday, February 8th, 2021.
