Garrett Smithley Bio
Early Life and Background
Garrett Kirk Smithley was born on April 27, 1992, in Ligonier, Pennsylvania, United States. He moved to Virginia at the age of six and later to Georgia in the sixth grade. Growing up, Smithley was involved in various activities, including baseball, football, dance, and chorus. His participation in theater at McIntosh High School, where he was cast in lead roles, helped him develop the confidence that would later benefit his racing career.
Path to NASCAR
Smithley began his racing career in 2007 during his sophomore year of high school, competing in Bandolero cars at Atlanta Motor Speedway and Lanier National Speedway. He won the Rookie of the Year award in 2008. After moving up to Legends car racing, he was selected for the Richard Petty Driver Search shortly after graduating high school, which provided him with valuable exposure and opportunities in the sport.
Garrett Smithley Career
Early Career (2013-2015)
Smithley made his debut in the ARCA Menards Series in 2013, competing in three events, including his first stock car race at Pocono Raceway. He transitioned to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2015, making his debut at Atlanta Motor Speedway and achieving a high finish of fourteenth at Michigan. His early years were marked by learning and development as he navigated through various racing series.
NASCAR Xfinity Series Breakthrough (2015-2022)
Smithley made his Xfinity Series debut in 2015, driving for Derrike Cope Racing at Homestead. He later signed with JD Motorsports, where he competed full-time in 2016 and finished eighteenth in series points. Notable moments during this period include achieving his first top-five finish in 2018 and leading laps at Talladega. Smithley continued to race with JD Motorsports until 2019, when he returned to the team for another season.
In 2020, he joined SS-Green Light Racing and made his debut with the team at Charlotte. Over the next few years, he continued to compete in the Xfinity Series, driving for various teams, including B.J. McLeod Motorsports and DGM Racing. His adaptability and persistence in securing rides showcased his determination to succeed in the sport.
Current Team Era (2025-Present)
In 2025, Smithley was announced as the full-time driver for SS-Green Light Racing, taking over the No. 14 Chevrolet Camaro SS. This marked a significant step in his career as he aimed to establish himself as a competitive driver in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. His focus for the season includes building momentum and achieving consistent finishes while working closely with his team to improve performance.
Race Car Driver Style and Strengths
Smithley is known for his strategic approach to racing, leveraging his experience across multiple series to navigate competitive fields. His background in theater has contributed to his confidence and ability to handle high-pressure situations on the track.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Throughout his career, Smithley has achieved several milestones, including his first top-five finish in the Xfinity Series and leading laps in major races. His journey reflects his resilience and commitment to the sport.
Garrett Smithley Career Wins
Garrett Smithley has competed across multiple NASCAR series, including the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, but has yet to secure a win in any of these series.
Current NASCAR Xfinity Series Highlights
As of the 2025 season, Smithley continues to compete in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, driving the No. 14 Chevrolet Camaro SS. He aims to achieve his first career win while building on his previous experiences in the series.
Previous NASCAR Series Achievements
In the NASCAR Cup Series, Smithley’s best finish was 48th in 2020, while he had a best finish of 36th in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. His participation in the ARCA Menards Series also laid the groundwork for his future in NASCAR.
Garrett Smithley Family
Family Background and NASCAR Lineage
Smithley’s family has a military background, with his father and both grandfathers having served in the military. This upbringing instilled values of discipline and perseverance in him.
Personal Life
Outside of racing, Smithley has expressed interest in pursuing a career in television announcing after his racing career concludes. His diverse interests and experiences reflect a well-rounded personality beyond the racetrack.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season presents a pivotal opportunity for Garrett Smithley as he embarks on a full-time campaign with SS-Green Light Racing. With a focus on consistency and performance improvement, Smithley aims to make a mark in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Early results will be critical as he seeks to establish himself and potentially secure his first career win. As the season progresses, team dynamics and crew chief strategies will play a significant role in shaping his performance on the track.
