New Hampshire Native Derek Griffith to Compete in NASCAR Xfinity Series Race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway with Sam Hunt Racing

HUDSON, N.H. – Derek Griffith will continue his growth up the racing ladder in New Hampshire during the 2022 season, set to compete in the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) on Saturday, July 16. Griffith will drive for rising Xfinity team Sam Hunt Racing behind the wheel of the No. 26 Toyota GR Supra, sponsored by Hudson Speedway in the 200-lap event.

The NHMS race is part of a multiple-event schedule for Griffith driving for Sam Hunt Racing in the Xfinity Series during the 2022 season. The two parties look forward to building a relationship together.

The NHMS race in July will give Griffith the opportunity to race in front of his hometown fans. Racing at the ‘Magic Mile’ isn’t new to Griffith, who has already competed in multiple Super Late Model races at the 1.058-mile oval. The Xfinity Series schedule with Sam Hunt Racing, combined with Griffith’s busy Super Late Model and Pro Late Model slate, will keep the Hudson, New Hampshire driver busy for the 2022 season.

But the July date specifically is circled on the calendar.

“I am beyond pumped to be able to race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway,” Griffith said. “Being able to race there was a big determining factor in trying to find a ride in the Xfinity Series. Not even just for me and my family, but for Hudson Speedway to be on a NASCAR Xfinity Series car at New Hampshire, close to where their track is… it’s going to be awesome. To have my friends, family, and everyone else there…. I have it circled as what should be a highlight of my racing career.”

The car will carry primary sponsorship from Hudson Speedway for the New Hampshire event, while Hudson will also work with the team for other events. Owned by Ben Bosowski, Hudson Speedway, located in Hudson, New Hampshire, is a NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Racing Series short-track. Open for more than 60 years, Hudson showcases multiple divisions of grassroots racing from April through October each year. They specialize in running Sunday afternoon and evening specials for race fans throughout the summer. Divisions include open-wheel modifieds, Late Models, Street Stocks and more. Owned and operated by Ben Bosowski and his team of professionals, the track holds over 25 events each year for race fans. For more information on Hudson Speedway, visit HudsonSpeedwayNH.com.

Hudson Speedway, where Griffith cut his teeth competing in short-track race events, has been behind Griffith since his move to the NASCAR National Series. Hudson Speedway also served as sponsor for Griffith’s previous NASCAR Camping World Series start and multiple ARCA Menards Series events.

“Derek’s driving speaks for itself,” Bosowski said. “It’s all a Cinderella-type story. The hometown kid goes to New Hampshire Motor Speedway, with his hometown track on the side of the car as his sponsor. It’s one of those stories that you don’t hear much out there anymore. Very rarely do all of the pieces come together like this. It will be a great moment for all of us.”

Sam Hunt, the owner of Sam Hunt Racing, is also excited to give Griffith the opportunity he needs to showcase himself in front of a national audience.

“Derek is a special talent and a true racer. His short track success across the country speaks for itself, and he’s someone that is extremely deserving of a shot to compete in the Xfinity Series,” said Sam Hunt, the 28-year-old owner of Sam Hunt Racing. “He builds his own race cars back home, works a full-time job, and is really a testimony to hard work and doing things right. He will fit in perfectly at SHR and we’re ready to make the state of New Hampshire proud.”

The additional races on Griffith’s NASCAR Xfinity Series schedule will be announced at a later date. His Super Late Model and Pro Late Model schedule includes over 20 races for the 2022 season, including the prestigious World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway from February 11-19. For more information on Derek Griffith, follow his social media channels and visit derekgriffith.com for the latest information.

About Derek Griffith

Derek Griffith, a native of Hudson, New Hampshire, has been racing since the age of 12. He became a quick study of some of his local short-tracks in New England, including Hudson Speedway, capturing checkered flags early in his career. His sharp driving ability and passion to succeed, along with dedicated partners, has elevated him up the racing ladder. From local, short-track racing to the NASCAR National Series divisions, Griffith continues to showcase his ability.

As a multiple-time champion of New Smyrna Speedway’s World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing, a champion of the Pro All Star Series National Division, member of the Kulwicki Driver Development Program, and former Number 1 pick in the Speed51 – now known as Racing America – Short Track Draft, Griffith has been recognized across a variety of disciplines. For more information on Derek Griffith, visit DerekGriffith.com.