Rising NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Sammy Smith is set to expand his motorsport repertoire as he tackles the Michelin Pilot Challenge BMW M Endurance Classic at Daytona International Speedway on January 24.
Smith, a 20-year-old Iowa native, will partner with seasoned co-driver Brady Behrman to pilot the No. 82 Aston Martin AMR Vantage GT4 for Van der Steur Racing (VDSR). This marks Smith’s debut in multi-class endurance racing, adding another chapter to his burgeoning career.
From Xfinity to Endurance: Smith’s Preparation
Smith, who had a successful test in the Vantage GT4 at Daytona in December, is gearing up for the transition from NASCAR’s stock cars to the high-tech GT4 machinery.
“These cars are very different than our NASCAR Xfinity cars,” Smith acknowledged. “I was able to test the car at Daytona in December and learned a lot. I appreciate Van der Steur Racing and Brady Behrman giving me the opportunity. I’m looking forward to this race.”
Smith’s 2025 NASCAR season also promises excitement as he continues with JR Motorsports, driving the No. 8 Chevrolet adorned with Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s iconic number styling from his 2000-2007 tenure.
Behrman’s Optimism for Daytona
Behrman, entering his third season with Van der Steur Racing, is enthusiastic about teaming up with Smith for the 4-hour endurance race.
“I’m beyond excited for the BMW M Endurance Challenge at Daytona,” said Behrman, who also tested VDSR’s new Vantage GT3 at the famed circuit. “It’s an incredible opportunity to team up with Sammy, whose talent and drive are going to be a huge asset to our team.”
Reflecting on his time with the team, Behrman added: “Looking back on everything we’ve accomplished together, I couldn’t be prouder. We’re definitely looking to build on that momentum as we head into 2025, and what better way to kick things off than at Daytona.”
A Growing NASCAR-Endurance Trend
Smith is the latest NASCAR driver to embrace the challenge of endurance racing in the Michelin Pilot Challenge, joining a growing list of young stars bridging the gap between stock cars and GT racing.
Last year, Toyota-backed drivers Bubba Wallace, John Hunter Nemechek, and Corey Heim took on the Daytona event in a Toyota GR Supra GT4. In 2023, Harrison Burton and Zane Smith captured the win in a Ford Mustang GT4.
This trend highlights the versatility of NASCAR’s rising talent as they prove their mettle in a variety of motorsport disciplines. For Smith, the Daytona race is not just an opportunity to showcase his skills but also a step toward broadening his racing horizons.
All Eyes on Daytona
With the 4-hour BMW M Endurance Challenge serving as the precursor to the prestigious Rolex 24 At Daytona, Smith and Behrman will look to make their mark in a fiercely competitive field. For Smith, the move to endurance racing is a bold statement that he’s ready to take on challenges beyond the oval.
