MOORESVILLE, N.C. — New England late model ace Derek Griffith will join Sam Hunt Racing for multiple starts in the NACAR Xfinity Series this season.
Griffith, a 24-year-old New Hampshire native, will pilot the No. 26 Toyota GR Supra starting at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway on April 8. Hudson Speedway, the track that Griffith began his career, will partner with Griffith and SHR in various capacities throughout the campaign, including primary sponsorship at Griffith’s home track of New Hampshire Motor Speedway in July.
A super late model veteran, Griffith made his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut at Gateway Motorsports Park last year. Additionally, he has 10 ARCA Menards Series starts where he collected three top-five and eight top-10 finishes.
“It’s a dream come true for me,” Griffith said. “I thought after running in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series last year that it would be the peak of my career, but to get together with Sam Hunt Racing, it’s going to help elevate me to new levels. It’s just perfect timing for me. I’ve been working hard to try and get something together since the end of 2021 and keep the ball rolling.
“I had the opportunity to race a lot last year, but it’s hard to get into a rhythm with just one or two races at a higher-level. Sam Hunt Racing wanted me to race for them just as much as I wanted to race for them. Everything fell right into place for us. I’ve heard some great things about Sam and his team — everything seems in line for them to be successful. Sam is really excited about having me on board to try and build a future.”
Sam Hunt Racing made its series debut in 2019 and ran its first full season last year.
“Derek is a special talent and a true racer. His short-track success across the country speaks for itself and he’s someone that is extremely deserving of a shot to compete in the Xfinity Series,” said team owner Sam Hunt. “He builds his own race cars back home, works a full-time job and is really a testimony to hard work and doing things right. He will fit in perfectly at SHR, and we’re ready to make the state of New Hampshire proud.”
Griffith’s remaining races will be released at a later date.