Craftsman Truck Series driver Chandler Smith finally has a new ride for 2027. 

Smith and Carson Brown will be driving for Richard Childress Racing in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series under multi-year contracts.

With Austin Hill and Jesse Love moving up to the Cup Series next season – Hill in the RCR number 33 car and Love is going to The Wood Brothers to take over driving duties in the number 21 car – RCR is in need of drivers.  Smith will take over the driving duties of the number 21 vacated by Austin Hill and Carson Brown will be driving the number two car vacated by Jesse Love.

Winning two races this season, Chandler Smith is currently ranked third in the standings and is a part of the playoffs set to begin in the Truck Series at Bristol Motor Speedway next month.

Speaking on driving for RCR, Chandler Smith said via team press release, “I’m really thankful for this opportunity and for the people who have believed in me and helped me get to this point.  First and foremost, I want to give all the glory to God. He’s opened a lot of doors for me throughout my career, and I know none of this happens without Him. I’m also thankful for my family and everybody who has stood behind me through the ups and downs. To get this opportunity with Richard Childress Racing means a lot to me.”

Carson Brown joined the RCR driver development program last year at 17 years old.  Driving in the ARCA Menards Series, Brown has run eight races and has finished in the top three in seven of them with three poles and one win – his debut at Phoenix Raceway.

Brown made his O’Reilly Series debut on August 8 at Iowa Speedway and finished 15th.

Brown spoke on his new ride via a team release saying, “I’m incredibly grateful to everyone at Richard Childress Racing and Whelen for believing in me.  This is something I’ve dreamed about for as long as I can remember, and I know how rare and special it is to be in this position. What an absolute honor to drive for Richard Childress, and to be able to represent Whelen, an American-made brand that has invested so much into motorsports over the years.”