LEXINGTON, N.C. — With A.J. Allmendinger returning to the NASCAR Cup Series next season, Chandler Smith will take over the No. 16 NASCAR Xfinity Series entry for Kaulig Racing.
The 20-year-old Georgia native has signed a multi-year deal with Kaulig Racing and plans to compete for rookie-of-the-year honors during next season.
“I’m really excited to have an opportunity like this for my rookie year in the NASCAR Xfinity Series,” said Smith. “Kaulig Racing has grown from a small team to a multi-series, powerhouse team in just a few short years. I’m honored to take over the No. 16 car that has had so much success these last couple of years.”
Currently in his second, full-time season in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, Smith has recorded five wins, one pole award, 22 top-five results, 32 top-10 finishes and has led 746 laps. Smith is second in the NCWTS playoff standings.
“Chandler Smith is a kid who we see a ton of potential in at Kaulig Racing,” said Chris Rice, president of Kaulig Racing. “We take pride in giving kids like Chandler an opportunity to compete for wins and be a steppingstone in their career. It’s been exciting to see what Chandler has done in the truck series over two seasons, and we think competing for Kaulig Racing is the perfect next step for both Chandler and our team.”
Since the team’s inception in 2016, Kaulig Racing has recorded 18 wins, 95 top fives, 214 top-10 finishes and has led 2,106 laps.
“Getting to know Chandler has been great, and we are excited to bring more young, talented drivers to Kaulig Racing to help build our program,” said team owner, Matt Kaulig. “We are excited to win many trophies together over the next couple of years.”