Sammy Smith, a two-time champion of the ARCA Menards Series East, will get the nod to compete full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2023, piloting the No. 18 Toyota Supra for Joe Gibbs Racing.
The Johnston, Iowa native, who competed in nine NASCAR Xfinity Series events for the organization this season, was able to score one top-five and three top-10 results, including a career-best third-place finish at Watkins Glen International.
“Sammy is a fantastic addition to our 2023 Xfinity lineup. He proved to have the passion and the talent to necessary to compete for wins in the races he ran for us in 2022,” said Steve DeSouza, Executive Vice President of Xfinity Series and Driver Development. “We are excited to get him in the No. 18 full-time and know he will be competitive from the jump.”
Pilot Flying J will continue to support Smith’s efforts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, as the 18-year-old competes for the championship in the second-tier series.
“We’re thrilled to continue our support of Sammy and look forward to seeing him on the track representing Pilot Flying J and the transportation industry,” said David Hughes, Senior Vice President of Sales for Pilot Flying J.
TMC Transportation, Allstate Peterbilt, Renda Group, Sinclair Tractor, and Mobil 1 will also support Smith’s first full-time campaign in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in some capacity in 2023.
“TMC is proud to continue its support of Sammy Smith as he takes on the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series, said Jason Webb, Executive Vice President of Asset Management at TMC. “Sammy has been a great ambassador for TMC – on and off the track. His growth as a driver is remarkable and we are very impressed with his accomplishments. We can’t wait to see what he will do in the upcoming year.”
Jeff Meendering – who has spent the last couple of seasons working with Brandon Jones at Joe Gibbs Racing – will serve as the crew chief for Smith’s No. 18 Toyota Supra in 2023.
