A Johnston, Iowa native and already highly rated stock car prospect is making a big move at the start of the upcoming racing season.
Sammy Smith is joining Kyle Busch Motorsports to run as much of the ARCA Menards Series schedule in 2022 as he can.
Piloting the No. 18 Toyota, the 17-year old will compete in every race that he is eligible for, although some tracks in the series, like Daytona, prevent drivers that are younger than 18 from competing.
“We’re looking forward to having an expanded role within the Toyota Racing Development program in 2022 and being reunited with Sammy,” team owner Kyle Busch said. “He was able to win multiple races and a championship in the East Series last year and we’re confident that he’ll be able to continue his winning ways this year.”
Smith brought home the ARCA East championship by winning three races out of the eight that were held and holding an average finish of 4.3.
He’ll be the first driver behind the wheel of a KBM ARCA banner, as Ty Gibbs was racing under the Joe Gibbs Racing brand in recent years.
Smith will have support from both TMC Transportation and Pilot Flying J, both partners that long supported former NASCAR Xfinity driver Michael Annett.
“At TMC Transportation, we’ve always enjoyed racing, and we are excited for the opportunity to continue that history with Sammy Smith,” said Jason Webb, EVP, Asset Management for TMC. “Our iconic black and gold colors have been on the track for many years with Michael Annett and Sammy Swindell, so we’re looking forward to the opportunity to be on Sammy’s No. 18 Toyota after watching him have success in Super Late Models with TMC on the car.”
Smith’s first race of the year will be another ARCA East event, being held at New Smyrna on Tuesday, February 15. His anticipated first ARCA National race of the year will come in March at Phoenix.
