HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. – Joe Gibbs Racing announced Thursday that Sammy Smith will run eight NASCAR Xfinity Series races behind the wheel of the No. 18 Toyota GR Supra in 2022.
Road America (Wisc.) on July 2 will serve as Smith’s Xfinity Series debut with Allstate Peterbilt Group on the hood as the primary partner for the race. Smith will also race in seven other Xfinity Series races this year jumping behind the wheel of the No. 18 at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway on July 23, Michigan International Speedway on August 6, Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International on August 20, Kansas Speedway on September 10, Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway on September 16, Martinsville (Va.) Speedway on October 29, and in the season finale at Phoenix Raceway on November 5.
“Sammy has impressed at every level of his racing career,” said Steve DeSouza, Executive Vice President/Xfinity Series for Joe Gibbs Racing. “We believe Sammy will continue to excel and look forward to supporting him as he expands his 2022 schedule to include eight races in the Xfinity Series with the Joe Gibbs Racing No.18 team led by crew chief Jason Ratcliff.”
Pilot Flying J, TMC, Allstate Peterbilt Group, Renda Group, and Sinclair Tractor will all support Smith and the No. 18 GR Supra throughout his eight races with JGR with Pilot Flying J and Allstate Peterbilt Group serving as primary partners.
Smith is currently at the top of the 2022 ARCA Menards Series East standings after earning three wins – New Smyrna, Pensacola, and Nashville – in the first four races of the season.
Smith won the 2021 ARCA Menards Series East championship as well as Rookie of the Year honors while driving for JGR. He won three races, earned seven top fives, seven top 10s, averaged a 4.3 finishing place and earned one pole.
The Toyota Racing Development driver has competed in four ARCA Menards Series races over the past two seasons earning three top fives, one pole and 601 laps led.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to run the No. 18 Toyota GR Supra for Joe Gibbs Racing,” Smith said. “Making the jump to this level is huge for me and my career, and I’m thankful for all of my partners and supporters that have helped me get here.”
Sammy Smith/No. 18 Toyota GR Supra Schedule
July 2 – Road America
July 23 – Pocono
August 6 – Michigan
August 20 – Watkins Glen
September 10 – Kansas
September 16 – Bristol
October 29 – Martinsville
November 5 – Phoenix