“I don’t have a ride next year”: Chandler Smith makes honest admission following top 10 finish at Homestead

Joe Gibbs Racing driver Chandler Smith mentioned that he might hang his helmet given he does not have a seat to race next season. He further mentioned that he might end up working in his father's construction business.

Smith currently races in the Xfinity Series and has been a strong contender throughout the season. With two victories and multiple top-5 finishes, he has placed his #81 right on the bubble in fifth place of the standings. He is the only Toyota in Round 8 of the series.

The 22-year-old was rather disappointed after finishing 13th place in Homestead-Miami. When asked about the upcoming race in Martinsville, Chandler Smith stated that since he does not have a drive for the upcoming season, he would try and put himself in a good position. Chandler Smith told Bob Pockrass.

"Well, I don’t have a ride next year, Bob. I could be working for my dad’s construction business and I could be hanging it up at the end of this year. So, that being said, all craps will not be given at Martinsville. And we were really fast there in the spring, just don’t need to wreck in practice so I can make my life a little easier not having to drive from the back, hopefully."

He added:

"If it’s meant to be, it’ll happen. If not, we still had an amazing season this year, and super, super grateful for the opportunity that I had this year with everybody that I was able to work with at Joe Gibbs Racing."

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Chandler Smith claims the lack of a "big pocketbook" is the reason he's not getting a seat in 2025

While Smith's second full-time season has been extremely impressive, it's odd to see him without a seat heading into 2025. There is currently no official confirmation of a ride for him for next season.

At the same time, however, he was linked with multiple teams. Rumors floated around the field that he might be signing a contract with a team, but that is seemingly not the case. Speaking to the media, he stated that most of the teams require a driver with a big "pocketbook" to sign, further claiming that he does not have one.

"It’s not really any seats left open. The only seats let open you gotta bring a big, big pocketbook with you and I don’t have a big pocketbook. So..."

Chandler Smith also took part in three Cup Series races in the 2023 season for Kaulig Racing in the #13 Chevrolet while he was racing for them in Xfinity. He finished the season in 9th place and was then signed by JGR.