Toyota's top pavement prospect to make NASCAR Truck debut on Friday

Arguably Toyota’s best pavement stock car prospect, Chandler Smith will make his Gander Outdoors NASCAR Truck Series debut on Friday night at Iowa Speedway in the No. 51 for Kyle Busch Motorsports.

The 16-year-old rose to prominence driving Super Late Models in the Southeast and Midwest under the guidance of crew chief Ricky Turner — the same driver-turned-mechanic who spearheaded fellow Georgia-native Chase Elliott’s ascent to the highest levels.

Smith has really shined in the ARCA Racing Series with three wins and six poles in 13 starts for Venturini Motorsports. The next two days at the NASCAR-owned racetrack is the culmination of one dream for the Toyota-supported prospect.

“I think it’s really cool,” Smith said. “I’ve always dreamed about racing in NASCAR in general, whether it’s the Truck Series or Xfinity Series or even the Cup Series when I get a little older, if I ever get that opportunity. It’s definitely kind of a dream come true. I’ve always dreamed of racing when I was a little kid, when I was watching NASCAR and I was like, ‘I really want to do this someday,’ and look where I am now.

“I’m doing it now and for the best team there is in the series. I’m very blessed to be where I am now and thankful for everyone that’s been around me and that’s gotten me here.”


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