NASCAR Xfinity driver Sammy Smith will compete in the Michelin Pilot Challenge BMW M Endurance Classic at Daytona on January 24, joining Van der Steur Racing (VDSR) in their No.82 Aston Martin AMR Vantage GT4.

Smith, 20, will partner with Brady Behrman, who returns for his third season with the team. The Iowa native completed successful testing in the Vantage GT4 at Daytona in December, preparing for his first multi-class endurance racing experience.

"These cars are very different than our NASCAR Xfinity cars," Smith said. "I appreciate Van der Steur Racing and Brady Behrman giving me the opportunity. I'm looking forward to this race."

Smith continues his NASCAR career in 2025 with JR Motorsports, driving the No.8 Chevrolet in the Xfinity Series, featuring the classic number style used by Dale Earnhardt Jr. from 2000-2007.

Co-driver Behrman, who also tested VDSR's new Vantage GT3, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: "I'm beyond excited for the 4-Hour BMW M Endurance Challenge at Daytona. It's an incredible opportunity to team up with Sammy, whose talent and drive are going to be a huge asset to our team."

Smith follows other NASCAR talents who have participated in the Michelin Pilot Challenge race preceding the Rolex 24 At Daytona. Recent examples include Bubba Wallace, John Hunter Nemecheck, and Corey Heim in a Toyota GR Supra GT4 last year, while Harrison Burton and Zane Smith claimed victory in a Ford Mustang GT4 in 2023.

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