MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Sept. 8, 2025) – JR Motorsports today announced that Sammy Smith will be making his return to the organization and the No. 8 Chevrolet for the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season. Smith, who will be entering his third year behind the wheel of a JRM Chevrolet, will be accompanied by longtime partners Pilot, TMC Transportation, and Allstate Peterbilt Group for 2026.
“We are thrilled to have Sammy (Smith), Pilot, TMC and Allstate Peterbilt Group back for 2026,” said JRMCEO Kelley Earnhardt Miller. “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.”
Before moving on to 2026,Smith and the No. 8 team are set to get the 2025 Playoffs underway this upcoming weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway. Smith earned his way into the playoffs by virtue of his victory at Rockingham Speedway in April. Smith has previously earned a best finish of sixth in the playoff grid, coming in the 2023 season and has twice advanced into the Round of 8.
“I am looking forward to continuing to build on what we’ve accomplished together here at JRM,” said Smith. “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 and the No. 8 Pilot Chevrolet are set to get the playoffs underway from Bristol Motor Speedway on Friday, Sept. 12, at 7:30 p.m. ET on the CW, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.
-JR Motorsports
