Sam Hunt Racing has added YET ANOTHER talented young racer to their 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series driver lineup as they announced on Wednesday that Derek Griffith will pilot their No. 26 Toyota Supra in multiple races this season.
According to a release from SHR, Griffith, 24, will get his first race action with the team at Martinsville Speedway on April 8th. Griffith will also run at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in July with sponsorship from Hudson Speedway.
“It’s a dream come true for me,” Griffith said in a team release. “I thought after running in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series last year that it would be the peak of my career, but to get together with Sam Hunt Racing, it’s going to help elevate me to new levels. It’s just perfect timing for me. I’ve been working hard to try and get something together since the end of 2021 and keep the ball rolling.
“I had the opportunity to race a lot last year, but it’s hard to get into a rhythm with just one or two races at a higher-level. Sam Hunt Racing wanted me to race for them just as much as I wanted to race for them. Everything fell right into place for us. I’ve heard some great things about Sam and his team — everything seems in line for them to be successful. Sam is really excited about having me on board to try and build a future.”
Team owner Sam Hunt feels Griffith is a next-level talent.
“Derek is a special talent and a true racer. His short track success across the country speaks for itself, and he’s someone that is extremely deserving of a shot to compete in the Xfinity Series,” said Sam Hunt. “He builds his own race cars back home, works a full time job, and is really a testimony to hard work and doing things right. He will fit in perfectly at SHR, and we’re ready to make the state of New Hampshire proud.”
Any additional races for Griffith will be announced at a later date.
Griffith started 11th and finished 26th in his NASCAR National Series debut last season, which came with Kyle Busch Motorsports in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series at Gateway. The local short track racer, who has also racked up numerous top-fives and top-10s in ARCA Menards Series competition, will look to work his way further up the NASCAR ladder in 2022.
