By Christian Koelle, Staff Writer
Kyle Busch Motorsports has announced that they will compete full-time in the ARCA Menards Series in 2022.
Sammy Smith will pilot the entry in the majority of the races during the season with support from Iowa-based trucking company TMC Transportation.
“At TMC Transportation, we’ve always enjoyed racing, and we are excited for the opportunity to continue that history with Sammy Smith,” said Jason Webb, EVP, Asset Management for TMC said in the release. “Our iconic black and gold colors have been on the track for many years with Michael Annett and Sammy Swindell, so we’re looking forward to the opportunity to be on Sammy’s No. 18 Toyota after watching him have success in Super Late Models with TMC on the car.”
The promotion comes after Smith earned the ARCA Menards Series East title with Joe Gibbs Racing last season. He makes the move from JGR to KBM in 2022 but it’s more of a return than a move. Smith raced Super Late Models with Kyle Busch Motorsports in 2020.
“We’re looking forward to having an expanded role within the Toyota Racing Development program in 2022 and being reunited with Sammy,” Busch said. “He was able to win multiple races and a championship in the East Series last year and we’re confident that he’ll be able to continue his winning ways this year.”
Along with TMC Transportation, Pilot/Flying J will move from JR Motorsports and Michael Annett and join Smith as a partner in the ARCA Menards Series.
The 17-year old driver will not be old enough to compete in a couple of races during the 2022 ARCA Menards Series season including the season opener. Kyle Busch Motorsports will make their ARCA debut on Tuesday, February 15th at New Smyrna Speedway in the ARCA Menards Series East opener.
The remaining lineup for the organization will be announced at a later date.