Johnston, Iowa native Sammy Smith will be racing full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2023, behind the wheel of the Joe Gibbs Racing No. 18 Toyota GR Supra.
The team officially announced the news Tuesday, though it was expected in the later months of the racing season in 2022.
Smith drove to a podium finish in the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Watkins Glen in what was one of nine starts he made with the team this season.
“Sammy is a fantastic addition to our 2023 Xfinity lineup,” JGR’s Executive Vice President of Xfinity Series and Driver Development, Steve DeSouza said in a press release. “He proved to have the passion and the talent to necessary to compete for wins in the races he ran for us in 2022. We are excited to get him in the No. 18 full time and know he will be competitive from the jump.”
Smith brought home his second straight ARCA East championship in 2022 as well as the ARCA Sioux Chief Showdown trophy during the season.
He also finished in the top five in 15 of the 16 races he entered in ARCA during the year.
“This is an opportunity I have been working towards,” Smith said the release. “I can’t wait to get behind the wheel full-time and am looking forward to a great season. I learned a lot in 2022 that will really help me to be competitive and run up front in the Xfinity Series. Thank you to Pilot Flying J, TMC Transportation, Allstate Peterbilt Group, and Toyota Racing Development for supporting me in my racing career. I am excited for next year and appreciate the opportunity.”
Pilot Flying J, TMC Transportation and Allstate Peterbilt will have primary sponsorship for the car in 2023. Other partners include the Renda Group, Sinclair Tractor and Mobile 1.
Jeff Meendering will serve as the crew chief for Smith in 2023.
