Sammy Smith has confirmed that he will leave JR Motorsports after the 2026 NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series season, bringing an end to a three-year run in the No. 8 Chevrolet.
The announcement gives JR Motorsports clarity on its future beyond 2026, while Smith heads into the final stretch of a stint that has already included two wins, 15 top-five finishes and 34 top-10s from 89 starts.
New chapter, same focus
Smith shared the news on social media on Wednesday and made clear that the move is not a distraction from the present. “New chapter. Same mindset,” he said, adding that he is moving on from JR Motorsports after this season.
He also thanked the team for its role in his development, saying he was “incredibly grateful” for everyone at JR Motorsports who has been part of the last three years. Smith described the No. 8 team as a place that has given him “so much to be proud of.”
The job is not finished yet
Smith’s statement was not just about the future. He also stressed that his attention remains on the current championship run. “The job isn’t finished yet,” he said, adding that his full focus is on the title chase for his team, partners and everyone who has backed him.
That matters because Smith has made a Chase appearance in each of his three seasons with JR Motorsports. He has also built a solid statistical body of work, with an average finish of 13.8 and an eighth-place position in the standings this year.
What happens next?
Smith is scheduled to race at Daytona International Speedway this Friday in the regular season finale, with the final nine races still to come in the 2026 season. His destination for 2027 remains unconfirmed, although he is expected to have a ride thanks to backing from Pilot Flying J.
JR Motorsports will move forward knowing Smith will not return after 2026, even if the rest of the line-up still looks stable with Justin Allgaier and likely Carson Kvapil. For Smith, the message is simple: finish the season first, then turn the page.
