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Sammy Smith Joins JR Motorsports for 2024

Sammy Smith will join JR Motorsports in 2024, replacing Josh Berry in the No. 8. The team announced Tuesday morning (Sept. 26) that Smith would make the move from Joe Gibbs Racing to JRM along with sponsors Pilot Flying J, Allstate Peterbilt and TMC Transportation, with whom the team has prior relationships. 

“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.” 

Smith is currently in the middle of his rookie campaign in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, picking up one win at Phoenix Raceway back in March. Smith has amassed five top fives, 12 top 10s, and currently sits 18 points above the cut line in the first round of the Xfinity Series playoffs. Smith is also a two-time champion of the ARCA Menards Series East, winning titles in 2021 and 2022

“I am very appreciative for the support of Pilot Flying J, TMC Transportation and all my partners that help make this happen,” said Smith. “The opportunity to race for JR Motorsports is one I am looking forward to and cannot wait to see what we all accomplish together.”

“It’s special to welcome Pilot Flying J, TMC Transportation and Allstate Peterbilt Group back into the JRM family,” echoed JRM CEO Kelley Earnhardt Miller. “They were part of our Xfinity program for five years and were instrumental in helping us become a four-car operation in 2017. This reunion shows a lot of promise with a talent like Sammy at the wheel. We can’t wait to go to work with them.”

See also
Brett Moffitt to Drive Second FRM Truck at Talladega

The Xfinity Series will be back in action at the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL for the Drive for the Cure 250 Presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina on Saturday, Oct. 7. Smith and the rest of the Xfinity Series will be live on NBC, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio at 3:30 p.m. ET. 

Chase_folsom_ROVAL_2022

Chase began working with Frontstretch in the spring of 2023 as a news writer, while also helping fill in for other columns as needed. Chase is now the main writer and reporter for Frontstretch.com's CARS Tour coverage, a role which began late in 2023.  Aside from racing, some of Chase's other hobbies include time in the outdoors hunting and fishing, and keeping up with all things Philadelphia sports related.

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Carl D.

This is at best a lateral move, but I guess he had nowhere to go with JGR long-term.