Sammy Smith Retires Early from Food City 300 at Bristol Due to Motor Issue – Speedway Digest

BRISTOL, Tenn. — Sammy Smith’s playoff hopes took a hit Friday night as the JR Motorsports driver was forced to retire early from the Food City 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway due to a motor issue.

Smith, who started 14th in the NASCAR Xfinity Series playoff opener, showed competitive pace in the first stage of the 300-lap contest. However, his run was cut short when mechanical trouble struck midway through the first stage. The No. 8 Chevrolet began to lose power, prompting the team to bring the car to pit road for diagnosis. Despite efforts to resolve the issue, Smith was unable to return to the track, officially ending his night and registering a DNF just 55 laps into the event.

CW would note following the exit from the race after speaking with the team they felt like it was a fluke head gasket issue.

The setback comes in the opening of the Round of 12, where every point is vital. Smith entered the Bristol event with momentum and a solid qualifying effort, but the early exit now places Smith last in the 12 driver standing added pressure on the remaining playoff races to stay in contention as the series takes a week off before heading to Kansas Speedway for the second race in the Round of 12.