Last updated: 2026-08-27 · Published: 2026-08-27
Sammy Smith will leave JR Motorsports after the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season, the driver confirmed Wednesday on social media. The move ends a three-year run in the team’s No. 8 Chevrolet that included two wins and a Chase appearance in every season.
Smith, who sits eighth in the points standings and is locked into the Chase heading into the regular-season finale at Daytona International Speedway this Friday, said the job is not yet finished and that his focus remains on the championship run.
Key facts at a glance
| News | Sammy Smith to leave JR Motorsports after the 2026 season |
| Team | JR Motorsports (JRM), No. 8 Chevrolet |
| Tenure | Three seasons |
| Record with JRM | 2 wins, 15 top-five, 34 top-10, 1 pole in 89 starts |
| Average finish | 13.8 across his JRM starts |
| Chase | Appearance in each season; eighth in points in 2026 |
| This Friday | Regular-season finale at Daytona International Speedway |
What Smith said
“New chapter. Same mindset. After this season, I’ll be moving on from @JRMotorsports and into a new chapter. 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,” Smith wrote.
“The job isn’t finished yet. 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. I’m excited for what’s next and for the opportunity ahead,” he added.
From JGR to JRM
Before joining JR Motorsports, Smith started his NASCAR career with Joe Gibbs Racing. He won in his 13th career start at Phoenix Raceway in March 2024, leading 92 of 200 laps. Through his time with JRM he has earned two wins, 15 top-five finishes, 34 top-10 finishes and one pole, with an average finish of 13.8 across 89 starts, and has made the Chase in every season.
The timing of the announcement, in the week of the regular-season finale, puts attention on Smith’s immediate championship push before any speculation about where he lands for 2027.
Watch: What the videos show
Sammy Smith Out At JR Motorsports In 2027
A racing-focused report reviews the news of Smith’s departure from JRM, looking at his three seasons in the No. 8 and what the move means for both the driver and the team as the 2026 season winds down.
Driving No. 8 for Dale Earnhardt Jr! Sammy Smith EXCLUSIVE
An interview with Smith covers what it means to drive the No. 8 for JR Motorsports, the team co-owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr., giving context for his time at JRM as he prepares to move on.
Confirmed vs. speculation
| Confirmed | Not confirmed |
|---|---|
| Smith announced he will leave JRM after the 2026 season | Which team he will join in 2027 |
| He has 2 wins, 15 top-five and 34 top-10 finishes in 89 JRM starts | Whether he will race full-time in the series next year |
| He is locked into the Chase and sits eighth in points | The outcome of the championship run |
| The regular-season finale is Friday at Daytona | Sponsorship or ownership details of any future deal |
Frequently asked questions
Why is Sammy Smith leaving JR Motorsports?
Smith confirmed on social media that he will move on from JRM after the 2026 season, describing it as a new chapter. He did not specify a destination.
When does he leave?
After the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season, bringing his three-year run in the No. 8 behind him.
What has he achieved with JRM?
In 89 starts he has two wins, 15 top-five finishes, 34 top-10 finishes and one pole, with an average finish of 13.8 and a Chase appearance in every season.
Who owns JR Motorsports?
JR Motorsports is co-owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr., with the No. 8 driven by Smith.
What is next for Smith this season?
He is locked into the Chase, sits eighth in points and is focused on the championship run, starting with the regular-season finale Friday at Daytona.
Has he announced his 2027 team?
No. Smith confirmed his departure but has not disclosed where he will race next season.
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Sources
- Sammy Smith / JR Motorsports social media (driver’s own confirmation)
- Roundtable.io (Jonathan Fjeld)
- Racing-focused reports and team statements
