May 31, 2025 — Hendrick Motorsports has confirmed that rising Xfinity Series star Sammy Smith will step in as the replacement driver for William Byron in the No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series race at Nashville Superspeedway.
Byron, who has been a consistent frontrunner this season and sits comfortably within playoff contention, will miss the Nashville race due to a minor medical procedure. While the team emphasized that the issue is non-serious and Byron is expected to return for the following race at the Chicago Street Course, Hendrick Motorsports has opted for a capable stand-in to keep their competitive momentum intact.
Sammy Smith Gets the Call
Sammy Smith, the 20-year-old Iowa native, has been making headlines in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with Joe Gibbs Racing and more recently with JR Motorsports. Known for his poise under pressure and sharp racing instincts, Smith has earned multiple top-five finishes this season and is widely regarded as one of the sport’s most promising young talents.
This opportunity marks Smith’s Cup Series debut — and it couldn’t come on a bigger stage.
“I’m incredibly honored and excited to get behind the wheel of the No. 24,” said Smith in a team statement. “William has had a phenomenal year, and I know I’ve got big shoes to fill, but I’m ready to learn and give it everything I’ve got.”
Hendrick Motorsports’ Vote of Confidence
Team owner Rick Hendrick spoke highly of the young driver: “Sammy has shown incredible growth and maturity. He’s someone we’ve been keeping an eye on, and Nashville gives us a great chance to see what he can do at the Cup level. We have complete confidence in his ability to compete.”
The decision to bring in Smith underscores Hendrick Motorsports’ commitment to nurturing young talent while maintaining high performance on the track. Crew chief Rudy Fugle will remain on the pit box to guide Smith through his debut.
What This Means for the Playoffs
Byron’s absence will not affect his playoff eligibility due to NASCAR’s medical waiver provision, which allows drivers to miss a race for health-related reasons without losing playoff eligibility, provided they remain in the top 30 in points and have at least one win — both of which Byron already has.
The No. 24 team will focus on minimizing points loss during Byron’s absence, and the experience may serve as a valuable opportunity for the organization to evaluate potential future talent at the Cup level.
Looking Ahead
The Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway is set for Sunday, June 30, and all eyes will be on how Sammy Smith handles the transition to NASCAR’s top level. While expectations are tempered for a debut, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the young driver adapts to the challenge — and whether he might be a long-term contender in the Cup Series in the years to come.
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