CONCORD, N.C. – Venturini Motorsports officials announced Thursday that Chandler Smith will once again pilot the No. 20 Toyota Camry in the ARCA Menards Series next year.
Smith will handle the driving duties in the 13 races he will be age-eligible for during the season, reuniting with crew chief and team owner Billy Venturini.
“Chandler (Smith) is an incredibly talented young driver who we have enjoyed having as part of our program since he first came to the ARCA Series,” said Venturini. “My main goal next season with Chandler, is to win the most races, most pole awards and win the Sioux Chief Showdown. After that, I think we set our sights on defending our owner’s championship from 2019 and building off what we have already started.”
Competing part-time during the 2019 season, the Talking Rock, Ga., native started just 11 races but earned five wins, four poles, eight top-five and 10 top-10 finishes.
Smith also went on to earn the prestigious Lap Leader award, edging out teammate Michael Self by 129 laps led with his season high 666 laps led.
Coupled with the help of the four additional drivers sharing the ride, Smith led the No. 20 team to the 2019 owner’s championship at the end of the season.
“I am really excited about the opportunity to be back with Venturini Motorsports, Billy Venturini and all of the No. 20 guys next season. 2020 will mark my third season with VMS in the ARCA Menards Series and I am looking forward to running for the Sioux Chief Showdown championship,” said Smith. “VMS has been working so hard over the offseason and I am ready to take our Toyota Camry back to victory lane.
“I want to thank everyone at Toyota, TRD and TD2 for their continued support and molding of my racing career. Without them I would not be where I am at today.”
At just 17 years old, Smith is only eligible to compete on tracks less than one mile in length and road courses, per the ARCA rulebook.
However, Smith will be eligible to run all of the 1.5-mile intermediate-style tracks following his 18th birthday on June 26.