NASCAR announced on Monday that O’Reilly Auto Parts will become the new entitlement sponsor for its second-tier series, marking a significant change set for 2026. The Xfinity Series new sponsor announcement confirms that O’Reilly will take over as the title partner, following Xfinity’s final season in the role this year.
Transition from Xfinity to O’Reilly Auto Parts
Beginning with the 2026 season, NASCAR’s long-standing Xfinity Series will be rebranded as the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. This move ends a partnership with Xfinity that has been in place since 2015, concluding more than a decade of collaboration. The shift reflects a fresh chapter for NASCAR’s No. 2 national series, one of the most prominent motorsports circuits in the country.
Statements from NASCAR and O’Reilly Auto Parts Leaders
During the announcement, key leaders from both organizations commented on the partnership:
“Like the great sport of NASCAR, O’Reilly Auto Parts was born in America and built on the hard work and drive of passionate people,”
said NASCAR President Steve O’Donnell in a statement. —Steve O’Donnell, President, NASCAR
“This new partnership allows us to continue to fuel that passion for the next generation of NASCAR’s stars and fans while celebrating the journey we’ve been on together for decades.”
—Steve O’Donnell, President, NASCAR
O’Reilly Auto Parts President Brent Kirby emphasized the synergy between the two brands:
“Our company is rooted in the same values that define NASCAR—teamwork, enthusiasm, and dedication,”
said O’Reilly Auto Parts President Brent Kirby in a statement. —Brent Kirby, President, O’Reilly Auto Parts
“You’ll see those in action when our customers walk through our doors. We know they need fast service, and Team O’Reilly will get them the parts they need quickly, with excellent customer service. We welcome all fans to stop by our stores and see how our team can help keep them running.”
—Brent Kirby, President, O’Reilly Auto Parts
O’Reilly Auto Parts: Company Background and National Presence
Founded in 1957 in Springfield, Missouri, O’Reilly Auto Parts has grown into a major automotive parts retailer. The company now operates more than 6,400 locations across 48 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Canada. With a commitment to teamwork, service, and customer experience, O’Reilly has built strong relationships with millions of customers nationwide.
Industry Impact and What’s Next
As Xfinity’s era comes to a close, the arrival of O’Reilly Auto Parts as the entitlement sponsor marks an important evolution for NASCAR’s secondary series. The partnership is expected to bring new initiatives, marketing collaborations, and fan engagement opportunities, reflecting the shared values of both organizations. NASCAR fans and drivers can anticipate further details as the rebranding process advances toward the 2026 racing season.
