Overview
- AM Racing announced on Monday that Nick Sanchez will pilot its No. 25 Ford Mustang Dark Horse full-time in the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, confirming the news with a team statement and social posts.
- Sanchez was abruptly released by Big Machine Racing in December, and Patrick Staropoli was named the full-time driver of Big Machine’s No. 48 Chevrolet for 2026.
- AM Racing’s planned sale to Sigma Performance Services Racing was not finalized in January, and the team says it will compete independently this season.
- Sanchez brings 41 O’Reilly Series starts, an Atlanta win and an 11th-place finish in the 2025 standings, two Truck Series victories, and the 2022 ARCA Menards championship.
- Both Sanchez and AM Racing’s No. 25 entry were 2025 playoff participants, and the series adopts a Chase-style playoff format for 2026.