Anthony Alfredo, known for his role as Rick Hendrick NASCAR star and simulator test driver, has been announced as the full-time driver for Viking Motorsports in the 2026 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. This development signals a major move in the NASCAR landscape as Alfredo transitions from key duties at Hendrick Motorsports to spearhead Viking’s campaign in Avondale, Arizona, with an energized outlook for the upcoming season.
Viking Motorsports Brings in Alfredo for Full-Time Role
During the 2025 season, Viking Motorsports relied on Matt DiBenedetto and Conor Mosack to pilot their #99 Chevrolet. DiBenedetto delivered the bulk of that year’s performance before leaving the team abruptly in October; Mosack filled the gap for the final races, though both drivers chose not to return for the next season. For 2026, Anthony Alfredo, Rick Hendrick’s primary sim driver, will step into the No. 96 car, marking a significant career move after years spent balancing simulator work with Cup Series appearances.
Alfredo last ran a full Cup campaign in 2021 with Front Row Motorsports, but has since juggled part-time Cup starts at Live Fast Motorsports and Beard Motorsports while contributing to the Hendrick organization as a valued simulator specialist. He built full-time experience in the Xfinity Series racing with Our Motorsports, BJ McLeod Motorsports, and Young’s Motorsports, consistently showing adaptability across teams and platforms. Now, his switch to Viking Motorsports as a full-season starter represents a new step as the organization seeks higher competitiveness in the upcoming O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
The team publicly welcomed Alfredo, stating,
“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.
Anthony Alfredo, in his announcement, expressed commitment to the growing organization and a drive to raise its ambitions.
“It means a lot to be part of the growing programme at Viking Motorsports. They’re really setting a precedence of being a competitive team and I’m proud to be a part of it. The expectations heading into 2026 is to certainly be competitive and make the Playoffs. That’s our ultimate goal and we’re going to need to win races and run up front to do that and I look forward to that challenge.”
— Anthony Alfredo, Driver
Reuniting with crew chief Joshua Graham, Alfredo aims to build on their prior partnership at Our Motorsports, where they achieved multiple top-five and top-ten finishes in 2024. This partnership brings continuity and strategic advantage to Viking’s evolving program. Looking ahead, Alfredo will line up alongside new teammate Parker Retzlaff, marking the second time in his career he will share a dual-car setup, which can offer more data and collaborative opportunities for the team.
Maintaining Simulator Duties with Hendrick Motorsports
One of Alfredo’s standout qualities is his proven ability to multitask at the highest level. His new commitment as Viking’s full-time driver does not signal a complete step away from his work as a simulator test driver at Hendrick Motorsports. Previously, Alfredo balanced real racing at Young’s Motorsports and other Cup Series entries while delivering data and feedback critical to Hendrick’s top-tier performance. Notably, his sim work played a part in Hendrick’s recent Cup success, including assisting drivers such as Kyle Larson in their quest for titles.
Don Sackett, Viking Motorsports team owner, emphasized the significance of this expansion and Alfredo’s addition:
“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. 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, Team Owner
Founded in 2024, Viking Motorsports remains a young but ambitious organization. The upcoming 2026 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series will mark only their third season competing, and the decision to field a second full-time car demonstrates both confidence and a strategy focused on sustained growth. As they usher in new talent and leadership, the organization’s trajectory continues upward, fueled by key contributors at every level.
Looking Ahead: What’s on the Horizon for Alfredo and Viking Motorsports?
As Anthony Alfredo prepares to launch this full-time campaign, he carries expectations for not just competitiveness, but for playoff contention. The synergy with Joshua Graham and a renewed atmosphere at Viking are likely to play a pivotal role as the team strives to carve out its place among established NASCAR organizations. While DiBenedetto and Mosack explore new opportunities in the driver market, Viking has made its ambitions clear by focusing on collaboration, performance, and leveraging Alfredo’s multidimensional experience as both a racer and a development asset.
This move is set to be closely watched by fans, teams, and insiders across Avondale and the broader NASCAR world, as the Rick Hendrick NASCAR star embarks on a new chapter with a rapidly growing program. With a lineup focused on innovation and competitive drive, Viking Motorsports and Anthony Alfredo look set to make their mark in the 2026 season and beyond.
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
