JR Motorsports Locks Down No. 8 Car For 2026

What’s Happening?

JR Motorsports has solidified another piece of their 2026 roster, resigning Sammy Smith to pilot the No. 8 for a third season.

• Smith debuted with JRM in 2024, coming over from Joe Gibbs Racing to drive the No. 8 following Josh Berry’s promotion to the NASCAR Cup Series. Through his first two seasons at JRM, Smith has won at least one race in each season, finishing 11th in points in 2024.
• Prior to coming over to JRM, Smith scored six wins in the 2022 ARCA Menards Series season en route to a promotion to the Xfinity Series with JGR. During his rookie campaign with JGR, Smith impressed, winning just four races into the season.
• This year, Smith has one win, thanks to the post-race disqualification of Jesse Love at Rockingham. Although he has found himself in hot water, notably after a late race restart at Martinsville, Smith is having a career year, closing in on his career high in top fives and top tens, with a career best 14.7 average finish.
• JRM is set for a minor shakeup this offseason, while Justin Allgaier is expected to return, having signed an extension through 2026 last fall, Connor Zillisch is on the move, leaving a notable open ride. Regarding the team’s No. 1 car, Carson Kvapil is rumored to be signed to Team Penske, though some rumors have also suggested that, despite this alignment, he will return to JRM in 2026.

What do you think about this? Let us know your opinion on Discord or X. Don’t forget that you can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.