Sammy Smith, a two-time champion of the ARCA Menards Series East, and a winner in the NASCAR Xfinity Series earlier this season at Phoenix, will migrate to JR Motorsports in 2024, to drive the No. 8 Chevrolet Camaro in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Pilot Flying J, TMC Transportation, and the Allstate Peterbilt Group will be a major part of Smith’s program in 2024, as he moves to the championship-winning organization alongside confirmed drivers Sam Mayer, Justin Allgaier, and Brandon Jones.
“Sammy is a great fit for our program and will mesh well with our other drivers,” said JRM team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. “He’s a young, talented racer who’s willing to learn and carries himself with a lot of professionalism. He has a bright future ahead. I’m excited for our team to help him continue his journey.”
The 19-year-old driver moves to JR Motorsports after spending the last two seasons stockpiling experience in the second-tier series with Joe Gibbs Racing, experience which has netted him six top-five and 15 top-10 finishes, as well as a berth into the NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoffs.
Smith replaces long-time JR Motorsports driver Josh Berry, who will move to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2024 to fill the seat vacated by the retiring Kevin Harvick, in the No. 4 Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing.
“I am very appreciative for the support of Pilot Flying J, TMC Transportation and all my partners that help make this happen,” said Smith, a native of Johnston, Iowa. “The opportunity to race for JR Motorsports is one I am looking forward to and cannot wait to see what we all accomplish together.”
Since his career began, Smith has had the support of sponsors Pilot Flying J, Allstate Peterbilt, and TMC. Each of these brands has also had previous relationships with JR Motorsports through former driver Michael Annett.
“We are excited to continue our motorsports partnership with Sammy as he joins the JRM race team,” said Jason Webb, EVP, asset management for TMC Transportation. “Having been a partner with JRM for several years, we know they are a first-class organization. Sammy will be joining a team that will provide him with the resources and tools to dominate on the track and continue to develop to reach his full potential.”
Pilot Flying J is the largest operator of travel centers in North America, with the Knoxville, Tennessee-based company boasting more than 750 retail locations. TMC Transportation, based out of Des Moines, Iowa, is the largest employee-owned open deck transportation company. The Allstate Peterbilt Group is the largest privately held factory-authorized dealer group in the Upper Midwest.
“We have been supporting and cheering on Sammy throughout his journey in the Xfinity Series for the last two seasons,” said Adrienne Ingoldt, vice president of brand and marketing for Pilot Flying J. “We’re excited for the next chapter in his career and seeing the success he‘ll bring behind the wheel of JRM’s No. 8 car.”
