Viking Motorsports has announced that Anthony Alfredo will join their expanding lineup for the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, bringing new energy to their growing team. The addition of Alfredo underscores the team’s dedication to building a stronger presence in the series, with the goal of becoming more competitive starting in 2026.
Viking Motorsports Adds Second Car for 2026 Season
This year, Viking Motorsports fielded the No. 99 Chevrolet driven by veteran racer Matt DiBenedetto, marking their first full campaign after switching manufacturers from Ford to Chevrolet and ending outside partnerships to operate as an independent team. Looking ahead to the next season, Viking Motorsports has placed its trust in Anthony Alfredo, who will pilot the newly announced No. 96 Chevrolet with returning crew chief Josh Graham at the helm.
The decision to select Alfredo, who brings over four years of relevant experience with smaller independent teams in the O’Reilly Series, reflects owner Don Sackett’s vision for developing the team’s potential in a highly competitive field. Explaining the rationale behind their choice, Sackett said,
“Anthony brings experience, professionalism, and a tremendous work ethic that aligns perfectly with where Viking Motorsports is heading,” Sackett said in a team release [via Jayski].
The official announcement was delivered via a team video posted on X on December 4, confirming the strategic shift for the upcoming year.
Anthony Alfredo’s Recent Track Record and Fit with Viking
In the 2025 season, Alfredo raced for Young’s Motorsports, where he achieved a top-10 finish, led one lap, and averaged a 24.1 finishing position in the NASCAR O’Reilly Series. His most recent stint showcased a solid effort, and he now approaches this new opportunity with clear aspirations. In the team’s official video, Alfredo stated,
“Be competive and make the playoffs, that’s our ultimate goal. We’re gonna have to win races and run up front to do that and I’m looking forward to that challenge,” Alfredo said in the video.
During the same period, DiBenedetto piloted the No. 99 to Viking’s first and only top-10 finish of the season with a strong performance at Talladega in April, where he placed fifth. However, changes continued late into the year, as Viking replaced DiBenedetto with Connor Mosack for the final three races of the season. For the 2026 campaign, the team announced the signing of Parker Retzlaff to take over the No. 99 entry as part of their expansion plan.
How the Alfredo-Viking Partnership Came Together
Anthony Alfredo took to social media to share insights into how his new role with Viking Motorsports developed. The 26-year-old driver launched his full-time Cup Series career with Front Row Motorsports in 2021 before moving back to the O’Reilly Series with Our Motorsports the next year. Alfredo’s 2024 run included seven top-10s and two top-five finishes, highlighted by a $100,000 Dash 4 Cash bonus victory at Dover, which helped him to 15th place in the season standings.
He also gained valuable Cup Series experience, making five starts for Beard Motorsports over the past two years and attempting to qualify for the Daytona 500 earlier this year. In response to Viking’s public announcement, Alfredo replied,
“As soon as Viking reached out, I knew this was my shot. They are doing all the right things to build a competitive program. I’m thrilled to have Josh back on the box for me too. Time to capitalize on this opportunity 🏁”
Preparations for the 2026 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series
Viking Motorsports has stated that announcements regarding primary and associate sponsors for the No. 96 Chevrolet will be forthcoming in the weeks before the new season. The 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series is scheduled to kick off on February 14, with anticipation building for what is seen as a bold new chapter for the team.
The combination of Anthony Alfredo’s ambition and experience, Josh Graham’s return as crew chief, and Viking’s growing infrastructure aims to serve as a foundation for improved results and a push toward the playoffs. For Alfredo and Viking Motorsports, the 2026 season represents an opportunity to solidify their presence in the series and to strive for better on-track achievements.
We’re expanding! @anthonyalfredo will pilot the number 96 for Viking Motorsports full time in 2026 with crew chief Josh Graham! ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/qA9A5XchpL
— Viking Motorsports (@VKNGMotorsports) December 4, 2025
As soon as Viking reached out, I knew this was my shot. They are doing all the right things to build a competitive program. I’m thrilled to have Josh back on the box for me too. Time to capitalize on this opportunity 🏁 @VKNGMotorsports https://t.co/E29xxHypBz
— Anthony Alfredo (@anthonyalfredo) December 4, 2025
