Anthony Alfredo is set to compete full-time for Viking Motorsports in the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, as he takes the wheel of the team’s new second car. The Ridgefield, Connecticut native joins the growing operation for its 33-race campaign starting February 14 at Daytona International Speedway, with the focus keyword Anthony Alfredo Viking Motorsports 2026 firmly at the center of attention.
Alfredo Returns with Familiar Faces in an Expanded Team
For the 2026 season, Viking Motorsports has secured Anthony Alfredo, a veteran with over 150 starts in NASCAR’s second-tier division, to drive the freshly introduced No. 96 Chevrolet. The new entry marks the team’s ambitious shift to a two-car lineup, signaling a clear intent to accelerate its development within the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
Alfredo’s partnership with crew chief Joshua Graham, rekindled from their previous success during Alfredo’s 2024 season at Our Motorsports, is expected to bring familiarity and momentum. Graham, who spent the 2025 season working in the NASCAR Truck Series with McAnally-Hilgemann Racing and earning a victory at Martinsville with Daniel Hemric, will call the shots from atop the No. 96 pit box.
“I’m fired up to join Viking Motorsports and drive the No. 96 Chevrolet in 2026. Having the chance to work with Josh [Graham] again is something I’m really excited about — we’ve had success together, and I know what we can accomplish as a team,”
said Anthony Alfredo.
“You can see how much Viking is building and investing in its future. Being part of their expansion to a two-car program is a big opportunity, and I can’t wait to get going.”
– Anthony Alfredo
Strategic Growth: Partnerships and Intra-Team Dynamics
The Alfredo and Graham duo isn’t new to the garage, but their presence together gives Viking Motorsports a unique advantage as they roll out their second full-time entry. Crew chief Joshua Graham’s recent stint with talents like Daniel Hemric and Parker Retzlaff (who pilots the team’s flagship No. 99 Chevrolet) adds more experience to the organization’s engineering bench.
The team’s increase in resources is further bolstered by a deeper technical alliance with Richard Childress Racing (RCR), the reigning champions of the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. This partnership, combined with the squad’s inter-team relationships — including drivers such as Parker Retzlaff and Matt DiBenedetto — positions Viking for significant gains in just their second year of independent competition.
“Expanding to a second full-time car is a major moment for our organization. Anthony [Alfredo] brings experience, professionalism, and a tremendous work ethic that aligns perfectly with where Viking Motorsports is heading,”
said Don Sackett, owner of Viking Motorsports.
“Reuniting him with Josh gives us a strong foundation for this new team. Their chemistry, trust, and history together will help accelerate our growth and elevate our entire program.”
– Don Sackett, owner
From Newcomers to Contenders: Viking’s Recent Journey
Viking Motorsports first entered the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series during the 2024 campaign, fielding the No. 38 car in partnership with RSS Racing. That debut featured drivers Matt DiBenedetto and CJ McLaughlin at the helm. By the next season, the team struck out on its own, introducing the No. 99 to the grid and stepping into the competitive NASCAR landscape as an independent outfit.
Their rookie full-time campaign in the O’Reilly Series produced a notable top-five at Talladega Superspeedway in April, ending the year 25th in Owner’s Points. Contributions came from drivers like DiBenedetto and Connor Mosack, showcasing the organization’s ability to adapt and grow rapidly in a short timeframe.
Looking Ahead to the Daytona Launch and Future Announcements
Preparations are underway as Viking Motorsports gears up for its expanded presence at Daytona to kick off the 2026 season. The team plans to reveal additional details, such as sponsorship and partner announcements for the No. 96 Chevrolet, as the season-opener on February 14 draws near.
With Anthony Alfredo behind the wheel, backed by familiar leadership and strengthened alliances, Viking Motorsports faces the 2026 campaign with promising prospects. Enthusiasm and anticipation are running high throughout the organization, as it seeks to carve out a larger footprint in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and contend against established names on racing’s national stage.
