Chandler Smith will leave Kaulig Racing at the end of the year to join the Joe Gibbs Racing Xfinity Series program for the 2024 season.
Sportsnaut first reported the interest in Smith from Joe Gibbs Racing but also detailed that such a move would require a buyout as the two parties had two additional years remaining on a contract signed last autumn.
Smith indeed was required to pay the buyout and did so in order to facilitate the move to Gibbs for next season. Smith is expected to visit Joe Gibbs Racing on Monday for the official announcement, seat fitting, and media opportunities.
Kaulig Racing released a statement that Chandler Smith will not return to the organization’s NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) program next season:
Kaulig Racing announced today that Chandler Smith will not return to the organization’s NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) program next season.
Smith, who is seventh in the series Playoffs standing, has earned one win, three pole awards, eight top five and 12 top-10 finishes this season. The November 4th event at Phoenix Raceway will serve as Smith’s final race with Kaulig Racing.
The 2024 driver lineup will be announced in the coming weeks.
Chandler Smith and Joe Gibbs Racing have yet to announce 2024 plans.
