Sammy Smith announced Wednesday that he will not return to JR Motorsports for the 2027 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season.
“After this season, I’ll be moving on from JR Motorsports and into a new chapter,” Smith posted on X. “I’m incredibly grateful for everyone at JRM who has been part of the last three years. Being a part of this No. 8 team has given me so much to be proud of, and I’ll always be thankful for the people who have helped me get to this point.”
In his first two seasons for JR Motorsports, Smith made the Round of 8 in the playoffs and secured a victory. Smith has not won a race in 2026, but sits eighth in points and is locked into the Chase. Additionally, he has earned six top-five and 10 top-10 finishes.
“But the job isn’t finished yet,” Smith continued. “My full focus is on this championship run, for my team, our partners and everyone who has believed in me along the way. Nothing is given. Everything is earned.”
Silly Season Implications
Smith has driven in top-tier NOAPS seats since 2023, and seems to have the funding from Pilot Flying J to continue doing so. With Richard Childress Racing’s lineup announced earlier today and Joe Gibbs Racing likely not having openings, moving to Haas Factory Team could make sense. If that does not happen, a move to the Craftsman Truck Series for Spire Motorsports or Front Row Motorsports is also a realistic possibility.
Looking at the No. 8, Sam Mayer (a current HFT driver) has been rumored to be returning to JR Motorsports. Additional candidates could include its previous driver Josh Berry, a full-time campaign for Rajah Caruth, or an unforeseen free agent such as Sheldon Creed or Anthony Alfredo.
No matter who the future driver of the No. 8 is, two things are known. First, the driver will likely need some financial backing. Second, a top-tier O’Reilly seat opening up is one more piece in a chaotic Silly Season puzzle.
