By Jerry Jordan, Editor
LONG POND, Pa. – NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Garrett Smithley, who has no issue with paying his dues and grinding it out as he makes his way to the top, is getting another chance to live his dream of racing in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, Kickin’ the Tires has confirmed.
Smithley’s next start will be in two weeks at Michigan International Speedway but this time he will be behind the wheel of the No. 7 Chevrolet fielded by Premium Motorsports and he’s hopeful it’s a lucky ride that will opened doors for future advancement for him in the sport.
“I’m excited to get to work with Ross (Chastain) on the Cup side,” Smithley said, when asked about news he was in the car at Michigan. There’s some really good personnel at Premium and I’m looking forward to learning as much as I can.”
Chastain is Smithley’s teammate in the Xfinity Series at JD Motorsports, where Smithley is currently ranked 20th overall in the series.
Smithley’s two previous Cup Series starts were with StarCom Racing and occurred earlier this year – one at Michigan and the other at Kentucky Speedway. The first outing was over before it began after the transmission broke prior to him taking the green flag. But a few weeks later, the team made it right and put Smithley behind the wheel, again.
The Kentucky run was a much better and while Smithley didn’t have the equipment to compete up front, he raced hard and stayed out of trouble the entire race. In fact, the only damage on the car after the race was a three-inch scratch on the bumper from Ricky Stenhouse giving him loves taps on the straightaway.
On the car once again, will be Michigan-based Victory Lane Quick Oil Change. Although it isn’t the biggest company in the garage the owners love racing and are committed to their community. Founded in 1980, it has become the fifth largest retail automotive franchise in Michigan.
An attempt to reach team owner Jay Robinson for comment on Smithley’s debut with the team was unsuccessful at the time of publication.