Sammy Smith, 18-Year-Old High Schooler, Wins Xfinity Series Race

He became one of the youngest ever to pull off a victory on NASCAR’s secondary circuit.

Sammy Smith became the fourth-youngest driver to win an Xfinity Series race when he took the checkered flag at Phoenix Raceway on Saturday.

Smith, an 18-year-old who is still enrolled in high school, held off Kyle Busch and Ryan Truex to claim his first Xfinity Series victory.

“It’s amazing. It’s a dream come true,” Smith said, via the Associated Press. “It’s awesome.”

Smith has been with Joe Gibbs Racing for the past two years, making 13 starts in that span. The teenager had to navigate a restart late in Saturday’s race but nevertheless was able to navigate his way to victory.

“The restarts were definitely the most challenging I’ve ever had to deal with,” Smith said. “A lot of good guys. It’s definitely awesome to beat those guys.”

Sammy Smith after his first Xfinity win: “The restarts were the most challenging I have ever had to deal with.” pic.twitter.com/RVqIDo4Zpu

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) March 12, 2023

Smith began racing at age 14 in 2019 and has since worked his way up through the Arca Menards Series East. With the win, Smith moves into 11th place in the Xfinity Series standings.

The only drivers younger than Smith to win on the Xfinity Series are Joey Logano (18 years, 21 days at Kentucky in 2008), Chase Elliott (18 years, four months, seven days at Texas in 2014) and Ty Gibbs (18 years, four months, 16 days at Daytona in 2021), according to Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports.

Smith logged his first Xfinity Series win at 18 years, nine months and seven days of age.