Sammy Smith "moving on" from JR Motorsports after 2026 season
Sammy Smith, 22, will not continue to drive the No. 8 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports (JRM) into the 2027 NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series season. Smith previously drove for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), but joined JRM at the start of the 2024 season. "New chapter, same mindset," Smith posted on social media. "After this season, I’ll be moving on from JR Motorsports and into a new chapter. I’m ... Keep…
Sammy Smith, a 22-year-old NASCAR driver, announced that he will be leaving JR Motorsports at the end of the 2026 season. Smith had previously driven for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) but joined JR Motorsports at the start of the 2024 season. In a post on social media, Smith stated that he is excited for the new chapter ahead.
Smith has been a part of JR Motorsports for three years, driving the No. 8 Chevrolet. Throughout his time with the team, he has secured three career wins, including one with JGR in 2023 and two with JR Motorsports in 2024 and 2025. His best points result came in 2023 when he placed sixth in the championship standings, which was an improvement from his eighth-place finish in 2025.
Despite his achievements, Smith currently holds the eighth position in the standings for the 2026 season but remains winless after the first 23 races. JR Motorsports fields four full-time entries in the NASCAR O Reilly Series, including the No. 1, 7, 8, and 88 chassis, while also utilizing the No. 9 on a part-time basis.
Written by urgent.news from Motorsport.com's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
