Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Motorsport prime

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Edition

Australia

Chandler Smith on NASCAR Truck debut: "Look where I am now"

Another one of Toyota Racing Development’s NASCAR prospects, Chandler Smith, will make his Truck Series debut at Iowa.

Chandler Smith, Kyle Busch Motorsports

Chandler Smith, Kyle Busch Motorsports

Kyle Busch Motorsports

Chandler Smith
Chandler Smith, Kyle Busch Motorsports
Chandler Smith, Kyle Busch Motorsports
Chandler Smith, Kyle Busch Motorsports

Smith, a 16-year-old from Talking Rock, Ga., makes his first Truck Series start Saturday night in the M&M’s 200 at Iowa Speedway, driving the No. 51 Toyota.

Smith, who has three victories and six poles in 13 starts in the ARCA Racing Series, has four starts planned in the Truck Series this season with KBM and is also scheduled to compete in the prestigious Super Late Model races for KBM.

To prepare for his Trucks debut, Smith tested with the No. 51 team as part of a rookie test at Iowa on May 24. He completed 250 laps around the 7/8-mile oval.

“I’ve always dreamed about racing in NASCAR in general, whether it’s the Truck Series or Xfinity Series or even the Cup Series when I get a little older, if I ever get that opportunity,” Smith said. “It’s definitely kind of a dream come true.

“I’ve always dreamed of racing when I was a little kid, when I was watching NASCAR and I was like ‘I really want to do this someday,’ and look where I am now. I’m doing it now and for the best team there is in the series.

“I’m very blessed to be where I am now, and thankful for everyone that’s been around me and that’s gotten me here.”

In one ARCA start at Iowa he started seventh and finished second. His most recent win came May 19 at Toledo (Ohio) Speedway, where he led 140 of 152 laps in the rain-shortened event.

In addition to his ARCA experience, Smith has competed in several marquee Super Late Model events, including a second-place finish in the Winchester 400 and a victory in the CRA SpeedFest in Cordele, Ga.

Smith believes his previous ARCA race at Iowa and his recent test in the Truck have made him familiar with the track.

“I’m going to have to get used to the aero deal, with racing around trucks, all the dirty air, it’s just going to be a learning curve for me, so I feel like that’s going to be the biggest challenge, just getting used to that,” he said.

“Being able to make the right moves and at the right time is important. I think that’s going to be the biggest thing, but other than that, I really like Iowa, and the trucks are the perfect fit for that track.”

Smith will also compete in Trucks with KBM in the June 28 race at Gateway, Aug. 15 at Bristol; and Nov. 7 at Phoenix.

Be part of Motorsport community

Join the conversation
Previous article Michigan ARCA winner Michael Self penalized 50 points
Next article Ty Gibbs uses bump and run to earn first ARCA victory

Top Comments

There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Motorsport prime

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Edition

Australia