Viking Motorsports is entering a new phase for the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series after announcing a major technical alliance with Richard Childress Racing. This Richard Childress Racing partnership provides Viking with access to advanced engineering, support systems, and proven development strategies, setting the stage for a significant transformation ahead of the upcoming season.
The agreement marks a pivotal juncture for Viking, which has been undergoing substantial internal restructuring since the close of the last season. Shortly after the conclusion of the series, Viking solidified its 2026 campaign by naming Parker Retzlaff as its full-time driver and appointing Danny Efland as crew chief. Meanwhile, experienced crew chief Pat Tryson has been reassigned to oversee shop operations at their Mooresville facility, ensuring stability behind the scenes during this period of transition.
New Technical Partnership Aims to Accelerate Progress
Forming this alliance with Richard Childress Racing is a cornerstone of Viking’s ongoing rebuild. By continuing to use ECR Engines and tapping into RCR’s renowned technical expertise, simulation technologies, and race-proven frameworks, Viking expects to enhance its competitiveness in the NASCAR landscape. Jeremy Lange, general manager of Viking Motorsports, emphasized the foundational role this partnership will play in the team’s ambitions.
“Forming this partnership with RCR represents another important step in our mission to continue improving and growing as a competitive team,”
Lange said.
“Our foundation is built on hard work, teamwork, and determination and with RCR’s engineering expertise and ECR engines supporting our program, we’re gaining the tools and knowledge to take the next step forward.”
– Jeremy Lange, General Manager
Leadership at Richard Childress Racing echoed Viking’s optimism, highlighting their ongoing dedication to fostering development through collaboration. Danny Lawrence, who oversees Alliance Operations and the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series program at RCR, explained how this partnership fits within the organization’s broader mission to nurture competitive teams across the sport.
“We’re proud to work with Viking Motorsports and help provide many of the same resources that have contributed to RCR’s long-term success in motorsports,”
Lawrence said.
“We look forward to seeing Viking Motorsports continue to grow stronger and more competitive each week.”
– Danny Lawrence, Vice President of Alliance Operations, RCR
Viking’s pursuit of growth comes after a demanding 2025 campaign, positioning their latest moves as a sign of intent for the reshaped 2026 season. Along with a new full-time driver and revamped crew leadership, the team’s expanded access to RCR’s facilities and methods signals a strategic reset. As NASCAR readies for a new O’Reilly Auto Parts Series chapter, Viking’s preparations highlight their renewed ambition to compete at a higher level.
Richard Childress Racing’s Internal Overhaul for 2026
This period of renewal extends to Richard Childress Racing itself, as the organization initiates changes within its own ranks ahead of next year. After a pair of winless seasons for their star driver Kyle Busch, RCR has tasked Jim Pohlman, previously with JR Motorsports, to lead the No. 8 Chevrolet as crew chief. Andy Street closed out the prior season as an interim crew chief following Randall Burnett’s exit, but Pohlman’s appointment represents a full reboot in an effort to stabilize performance and restore momentum for Busch and the team.
Kyle Busch concluded the year in 21st place in the standings, marking his lowest season finish as a full-time driver, with only three top-five results and a 17.9 average finish. His strong showing at Phoenix offered a small boost before the offseason, and Busch emphasized that building strong communication and camaraderie with Jim Pohlman will be key during the winter months as they prepare for the start of the 2026 series.
“I think this offseason will be different just based off of trying to build some camaraderie and some time with Jim,”
Busch told NASCAR.com.
“Being able to spend some time with him and just kind of figure things out and what makes him tick, and obviously ways of things of what makes me tick and getting on the same page to start our season.”
– Kyle Busch, Driver
Austin Dillon delivered a high point for RCR during the year, securing a victory at Richmond that ensured his place in the playoffs. Although Dillon was eliminated in the first round and missed out on postseason top-ten finishes, he approaches 2026 with confidence in both his own potential and the team’s progress.
A Unified Mission for Advancement in the 2026 Season
The partnership between Viking Motorsports and Richard Childress Racing aligns both teams toward a shared goal of measurable improvement for the 2026 NASCAR campaign. RCR, with drivers such as Jesse Love—reigning champion of the feeder series in the No. 2 Chevrolet—and Austin Hill in the No. 21 entry, brings a wealth of competitive experience to the alliance.
As the offseason progresses and preparations intensify, the expanded technical collaboration marks a watershed moment for Viking’s aspirations, while reinforcing RCR’s leadership role within the NASCAR community. The upcoming Cook Out Clash on February 1 will be the first major test for both organizations under their renewed strategies, setting the tone for what could be a milestone year in NASCAR’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
