Sammy Smith announced he will leave JR Motorsports after the 2026 season, ending his three-year run with the team. The 22-year-old driver, who joined JRM at the start of 2024, will not return for the 2027 NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series season.
Smith previously raced for Joe Gibbs Racing before moving to JRM, where he has driven the No. 8 Chevrolet. His departure marks a shift as he prepares for a new chapter in his career, though he emphasized continuity in his approach.
The team has not announced a replacement for Smith’s seat, leaving next season’s lineup unresolved.


