With the Kaulig Racing NASCAR exit from its Xfinity program set for 2026, speculation has surged regarding new team entries in the reshuffled O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Young’s Motorsports, established in the truck series for its resilience and growth, is now poised to take advantage of shifting opportunities on the national stage, signaling a possible expansion that could redefine its place in the sport.
Young’s Motorsports has gradually established itself within NASCAR’s national series over the years, expanding its infrastructure and partnerships to become a recognized contender with a reputation for gritty competition. Recent activity on social media, including a notable post on X (formerly Twitter), suggests the team is considering the addition of a second car in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series starting in the 2026 season. This potential move not only demonstrates the team’s ambition but also aligns with changing circumstances in NASCAR, including the exit of Kaulig Racing from the Xfinity Series and the series rebranding from Xfinity to O’Reilly Auto Parts.
Fans quickly picked up on the team’s post and began discussing the possibility online, with one stating,
“Young’s Motorsports teasing a second entry in the NASCAR O’Reillys Series for 2026. Number will be 02.”
— Fan Comment
The New Landscape Opens Doors for Ambitious Teams
Timing is critical, as the transition from Xfinity to O’Reilly Auto Parts in 2026 will alter the competitive grid and team dynamics, potentially creating opening(s) for upwardly mobile organizations that have invested in resources and partnerships. With Kaulig Racing’s exit leaving a gap, Young’s Motorsports’ consideration of fielding a second entry is timely, reflecting not only its readiness but the broader trend of smaller teams seizing opportunities for advancement.
Expanding to a second car at the national level involves more than just assigning a number to a vehicle. It demands significant sponsorship investments, the assembly of a competent crew, acquisition of competitive equipment, and, crucially, coordination to ensure overall team performance remains strong. The hypothetical No. 02 car would need to be synchronized with Young’s current efforts to ensure both vehicles perform to expectations.
The team’s foundation in lower series racing will be tested as it faces the challenge of scaling operations. Observers in the sport will scrutinize resource allocation, decision-making in engineering and strategy, and the strength of sponsor relationships as Young’s attempts to balance a two-car program in a national championship.
Wider Impacts and Opportunities for Drivers
The potential movement from Young’s doesn’t just add another team to the field; it symbolizes a shift within NASCAR, where emerging and mid-pack organizations play a greater role in developing talent and shaping stories traditionally dominated by powerhouse teams. Should the No. 02 project materialize, it could become an important platform for younger or developing drivers to get a foothold on the national stage, offering alternatives outside the established powerhouse teams and changing the competitive landscape.
Grassroots racing fans may find reason for optimism as smaller teams—supported by evolving sponsorship models—expand, creating a deeper and more diverse field. The news has sparked significant commentary and theories among online NASCAR communities, especially regarding the ways the exit of a team like Kaulig Racing could ripple outward, creating space for up-and-coming teams and their drivers.
Reactions From the Community Highlight Concerns and Hopes
The online community has responded energetically to the rumors and news surrounding Young’s Motorsports and the Kaulig Racing NASCAR exit. One fan observed,
“It’s wild how Ellis has more money behind him than dudes like Heim.”
— Fan Comment. This sentiment reveals ongoing frustrations regarding the influence of driver backing and sponsorship in shaping team rosters and opportunities.
This concern about the business side of racing resonates in NASCAR’s environment, where financial support often determines seat allocation and team expansion potential. For teams like Young’s, which have historically operated on lean margins, bringing in funded drivers or sponsors can be a strategy to launch new programs such as a second entry in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, especially as initial outlays increase with expansion.
Another community member directly linked Kaulig Racing’s departure to increased market activity:
“Makes sense, there is a huge inventory of Kaulig cars on the market. Will probably see a few teams pop up.”
— Fan Comment. The anticipated release of cars and equipment by Kaulig, which is redirecting efforts from Xfinity to Trucks and Cup in 2026, is likely to lower barriers for teams like Young’s to step up. The resulting surplus of technical resources should make it easier for newer or growing organizations to gain entry into the national series, potentially reshaping the field.
Amid the optimism, some fans remain skeptical of the potential impacts on current programs:
“Not surprised. Wouldn’t be shocked if they’re getting out of Trucks completely.”
— Fan Comment. This remark touches on the long history of Young’s involvement in the Truck Series, hinting that a shift in focus to the national series could mean reduced commitment—or even an exit—from their traditional domain if resources are reallocated to support a second car at a higher tier.
Concerns about the wisdom of expanding before shoring up current efforts also emerged. One fan argued:
“Why? Focus on making the 42 better first.”
— Fan Comment. This expresses a widespread belief among NASCAR observers that a foundation of competitive performance in existing programs should precede expansion, and it reflects a desire for Young’s to ensure its established vehicles are capable of strong results before branching out further.
One particularly vivid comment illustrated the intricate balance between finances and competitive objectives in team management:
“Probably went down something like this: Mario says, ‘Hey Ryan, I need $4M. Tyler Young comes along and says, ‘Why are you paying him 4 mil when I can run you 30th for 3?’ Ryan says, ‘Deal.’ That’s not a move one makes for performance, lol.”
— Fan Comment
While such scenarios are speculative, they highlight a common understanding within the community: budget limitations, sponsor demands, and complex performance trade-offs often guide decision-making more than pure competitive ambition. These realities are likely top-of-mind as Young’s weighs the prospect of debuting a new national series entry amid an evolving landscape.
Broader Shifts and What Comes Next
The current wave of rumors and reactions illustrate how one event, such as the Kaulig Racing NASCAR exit, can have far-reaching consequences—not just for the departing organization, but for the entire series and especially for teams on the rise. The opening of new opportunities, availability of equipment, and the reallocation of sponsorships are changing how smaller teams like Young’s Motorsports can evolve and challenge the status quo.
If Young’s moves ahead with expanding into a two-car lineup, the team will need to manage the operational complexity this entails, including resource sharing, team chemistry, and competitive goals. Success could signal a new era for smaller organizations, enhancing paths for both drivers and technical staff. Fans and observers throughout the NASCAR universe will be watching closely, eager to see if household names can emerge from unexpected places during a period of realignment and opportunity.
— Young's Motorsports (@youngsmtrsports) November 9, 2025
Young's Motorsports teasing a second entry in the Nascar O'Reillys Series for 2026. Number will be 02.
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