Chandler Smith will reportedly sign with Joe Gibbs Racing after Kaulig Racing buyout

After spending a year away from the program, Chandler Smith is being bought out of his Kaulig Racing deal to return to Toyota with Joe Gibbs Racing. Smith is expected to sign with JGR’s NASCAR Xfinity Series program.

There have been a lot of changes in the Xfinity Series in Silly Season. With Sammy Smith moving to Joe Gibbs Racing, Brandon Jones staying at JR Motorsports – there is room at JGR. Not only that, Chandler Smith is a top talent for his age.

Matt Weaver of Sportsnaut reported that his sources have told him the contract buyout is imminent. It hasn’t happened yet, but it is expected to happen soon.

According to the report from Weaver, it appears that Chandler Smith had to buyout his own contract. So, his group and sponsors perhaps played a role in that. When the rumors started about this deal, the buyout was the biggest obstacle.

A year ago, Smith left Toyota for Kaulig Racing and Chevy. He signed a three-year deal. So, he had to buy himself out of two of those years in order to make the move to JGR. These hits just keep coming for Kaulig Racing.

Toyota now has an amazing group of young drivers. Not just in the three NASCAR national series, but also waiting in the wings in ARCA, sprint cars, midgets, and more. As for Chevy, this is a disappointment, but not the worst thing. Ford on the other hand…that prospect pool is looking a little empty.

Chandler Smith headed back to JGR in 2024

For Smith, this is a big moment in his career. He is just 21 years old. In 2018 he was with Toyota and that lasted for four years. He grew up under the TRD banner with Kyle Busch Motorsports. His move to Chevy made sense at the time. Toyota just looked too crowded at the time.

Then, you move Ty Gibbs up to Cup this year, you put John Hunter Nemechek in the Legacy Motor Club car next year, and move Sammy Smith to JR Motorsports – all of a sudden there’s room. And a lot of it.

With his move back to Toyota via Joe Gibbs Racing, Chandler Smith is likely next up in the Cup Series. This season, he picked up a win at Phoenix early in the year. He has five wins in the Truck Series.

Let’s also talk about his limited Cup experience. Outside of failing to qualify for Daytona, Smith has finishes of P17, P15, and P11 for Kaulig in the Cup Series. That’s incredibly impressive. Before Smith heads back to JGR, he does have business to take care of.

Chandler Smith is in the NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoffs. He has a shot at a championship. Kaulig Racing will hope that he can deliver one to them before he packs up and goes back to his old team.