Sammy Smith, driver of the #8 Pilot Chevrolet, is introduced prior to the NASCAR Xfinity Series Wawa 250 Powered By Coca-Cola at Daytona International Speedway on August 22, 2025 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
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JR Motorsports’ No. 8 car will remain the same in 2026, as Sammy Smith has re-signed with the organization owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kelley Earnhardt Miller.
“I am looking forward to continuing to build on what we’ve accomplished together here at JRM,” Smith said. “I am thankful for the continued support from Pilot, TMC and Allstate Peterbilt Group as we go into these playoffs and into next season as a team.”
Smith, 21, has been racing full time in the Xfinity Series since 2023, starting with Joe Gibbs Racing. He’s won a race in each of his first three seasons, including the last two years with JR Motorsports.
Earlier this year, Smith won at Rockingham Speedway to lock into the playoffs for the third straight year.
“We are thrilled to have Sammy (Smith), Pilot, TMC and Allstate Peterbilt Group back for 2026,” Earnhardt Miller said. “It’s been a pleasure getting to know and work with Sammy these past two seasons and we’re looking forward to seeing what the future will hold next year after our run for a championship with the No. 8 team in 2025.”
Smith has five top fives and 13 top 10s this year.
He had some controversy earlier this year, when he intentionally wrecked Taylor Gray while battling for the lead at Martinsville Speedway on the final lap. He was docked 50 points and $25,000 for the incident.
Ever since, Smith has cleaned up his on-track driving and has been praised for racing cleanly ever since.
Smith is backed by Pilot, TMS and Allstate Peterbilt Group, which previously sponsored former JRM driver Michael Annett.