Sammy Smith, 22, will not continue driving the No. 8 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports (JRM) into the 2027 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season. He previously competed for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) before joining JRM at the start of the 2024 season.
“Smith posted on social media: ‘New chapter, same mindset. After this season I’ll be moving on from JR Motorsports and starting a new chapter. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone at JRM for the past three years.'”
“Being part of the No. 8 team has given me much to be proud of, and I remain thankful for the support that’s helped me reach this point. The work isn’t finished; my focus is on our championship campaign for the team, our partners, and all who have believed in me. Nothing is given; everything is earned.'”
“I’m excited about what lies ahead and the opportunities it brings.'”
This marks Smith’s fourth consecutive full-time season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series (the secondary level), during which he has recorded three career victories. He captured his first win with JGR at Phoenix in 2023, followed by victories at Talladega in 2024 and Rockingham in 2025 while with JRM.
His best points finish came in 2023, when he placed sixth in the championship standings. Since joining JRM, his highest finish has been eighth. He currently sits eighth in the 2026 standings and has yet to win in the first 23 races of the year.
JR Motorsports fields four full-time entries in the NASCAR O’Reilly Series (car numbers 1, 7, 8, and 88) and also runs the No. 9 part‑time.
Also Read
- Big Ten Awards Commissioner Tony Petitti Five-Year Contract Extension Through 2033
- Assessing the Viability of a Erik Karlsson Trade to the Toronto Maple Leafs
- Xavi Simons Shares Brief Two‑Word Note With Tottenham Supporters Following Savio’s Debut Strike
- Tony Schiavone Defends AEW Competition and Criticizes Detractors