Sammy Smith becomes 172nd winner in Xfinity Series

AVONDALE, Ariz. — Sammy Smith’s victory in the United Rentals 200 earned the rookie Xfinity Series driver his first career win in his 13th career series start Saturday at Phoenix Raceway.

Smith is now the 172nd different driver to score a win in NASCAR’s second-tier series.

“It is amazing, it’s a dream come true,” Smith said of the win.

Smith led 94 of the 200 lap race, leading the field for the final 52 laps.

“[It took] a lot of hard work and a lot of great people behind me,” Smith said. “Without all these guys – and Pilot Flying J, TMC and Toyota, I wouldn’t be here.”

Smith, who is still a senior in high school, is the youngest winning driver in series history.