The Xfinity Series title sponsor change will take place at the start of the 2026 NASCAR season when O’Reilly Auto Parts assumes naming rights for NASCAR’s second-tier series, replacing Xfinity, which has held the role since 2015. The move, announced as NASCAR prepares for a new season at Daytona International Speedway, marks the end of an era for the much-recognized Xfinity Series and its presence in driver interviews and broadcasts.
A New Chapter Begins with O’Reilly Auto Parts as Series Sponsor
At the start of 2026, the series will officially become the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, beginning Thursday, January 1, 2026. The season opener, a highlight for drivers and fans alike, is set for Saturday, February 14 at Daytona International Speedway. O’Reilly Auto Parts’ partnership signals a deepening relationship between the brand and NASCAR, marking a notable shift after Xfinity’s departure as title sponsor.
The Xfinity Series has held its name for over a decade but is now concluding its role as title sponsor following the 2025 season. Xfinity will, however, remain as a Premier Partner of the Cup Series through the 2026 season, continuing to play a significant role in the sport alongside Coca-Cola and Busch Light. GEICO, one of the original Premier Partners, exited after 2024 and has not been replaced.
Title Sponsorship: A Legacy of Change Since 1982
This transition adds another chapter to the evolving history of NASCAR’s second-highest national touring series. Since its start in 1982, the series has had a sequence of high-profile sponsors: initially Anheuser-Busch (with names like the Budweiser Late Model Sportsman Series and the NASCAR Busch Grand National Series), followed by Nationwide Insurance from 2008 until 2014, and then Xfinity since 2015.
Each name change has met with both excitement and reluctance from fans, reflecting the deep attachment to the series’ legacy. Many fans still use older designations such as the Busch Series, underlining the staying power of past sponsors in NASCAR culture, even as new partners like O’Reilly Auto Parts come on board.
Fan Reactions and Series Broadcasts
Sponsorship changes in NASCAR have historically generated mixed reactions, with portions of the fan base often sticking to previous series names regardless of current branding. The ongoing affection for terms like the Busch Series suggests that O’Reilly Auto Parts’ rebranding effort will face a period of fan adjustment, even as the brand’s investment is widely seen as beneficial for the sport’s future.
All Xfinity Series races this year, including the highly anticipated Wawa 250 at Daytona, are scheduled for live broadcast on the CW Network. This continuity ensures that fans can continue enjoying coverage of their favorite events, even as the series title transitions next year.
Looking Ahead to NASCAR’s Sponsorship Future
The end of the Xfinity era as series title sponsor closes a significant chapter, while O’Reilly Auto Parts’ arrival is poised to bring new energy to NASCAR’s second series. As the sport upholds traditions and adapts to changes in commercial partnerships, attention will focus on how the new sponsor shapes the series’ identity and fan experience beginning in 2026.
“Yeah, just want to thank my guys, they’ve given me a car as fast as Xfinity 5G Mobile”
—guys, driver interviews.
