Lavar Scott has officially signed on to race full-time with the Alpha Prime Racing NASCAR team for the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, marking a new chapter for the young driver and the team as they continue to develop emerging talent. After sporadic starts in 2025 and a solid showing with a 19th-place finish at Gateway, Scott is set to bring determination and experience from the ARCA Menards Series to his rookie campaign in NASCAR’s competitive landscape.
Lavar Scott Steps Up After Strong ARCA Seasons
Scott, 22, makes his full-season debut in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series after several productive years with Rev Racing in the ARCA Menards Series. Known for his consistency and composure, Scott finished runner-up twice in the ARCA championship, building a reputation as a reliable and polite presence in the garage. The move to Alpha Prime Racing signals a significant progression in his career, with the New Jersey native ready to embrace the challenges of national-level stock car racing.
Alpha Prime Racing has long been recognized as a team focused on nurturing young talent, even while operating with limited financial resources compared to top-tier organizations. The squad has shown competitive promise in recent seasons, most notably with driver Brennan Poole earning several top-five finishes. The structure allows drivers like Scott to refine their skills behind the wheel while gaining valuable experience in a supportive environment.
Team Announcement Welcomes Scott to the Fold
The Alpha Prime Racing NASCAR team made the news official, giving Scott the green light to pilot the No. 45 Chevrolet for the 2026 campaign.
“🤝 Welcome to the team, rookie.@LavarScott will compete full-time in the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series driving the No. 45 Chevy! #NASCAR | @TheCW_Sports pic.twitter.com/SxKR0Tm3WX”— Alpha Prime Racing (@TeamAlphaPrime), December 8, 2025
The team’s social media post highlighted their excitement for Scott’s arrival and confidence in his potential for success. Scott enters the series with valuable experience after racing alongside some of the top up-and-comers in ARCA. This background should give him a solid foundation as he navigates the steep learning curve of a full NASCAR season.
Expectations and Opportunities for the 2026 Season
With Alpha Prime Racing still finalizing its lineup for 2026, it is confirmed that Brennan Poole will return to the team, offering Scott an experienced mentor as he navigates his rookie season. Poole’s reputation for performance and for getting the most out of his equipment should serve as a valuable resource for Scott as he adapts to the faster, more competitive environment.
For a rookie in the O’Reilly Series, success isn’t measured exclusively by wins but by consistency, finishing races, and capitalizing on opportunities to secure top-10 or top-5 results when the car is competitive. The challenge is amplified by the need to avoid costly mistakes — a lesson underscored by Parker Retzlaff’s eight DNFs in 2025. If Scott can maintain composure, limit DNFs, and consistently bring the No. 45 car home, he could be setting himself up for a standout season.
Moreover, with strong performances, Scott might attract the attention of larger organizations looking for rising talent in future years. Each race is an audition, not only to prove himself to Alpha Prime Racing but to the wider NASCAR paddock watching for the next breakthrough young driver.
Significance of Scott’s Move to Alpha Prime Racing
Scott’s full-time entry into the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series is a notable development for both himself and the Alpha Prime Racing NASCAR team. The combination of Scott’s ARCA experience, the team’s nurturing environment, and the mentorship from veterans like Brennan Poole creates a promising scenario for his rookie year. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on how Scott adapts, how he leverages support within the team, and whether he can translate ARCA success into notable results on the bigger stage.
This move also illustrates Alpha Prime Racing’s ongoing commitment to developing new talent in NASCAR, despite competing against teams with larger budgets. With careful guidance and a steady performance, Scott has a real chance to make 2026 a defining year in his racing career and set the foundation for possible opportunities with high-profile teams down the line.
🤝 Welcome to the team, rookie.@LavarScott will compete full-time in the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series driving the No. 45 Chevy! #NASCAR | @TheCW_Sports pic.twitter.com/SxKR0Tm3WX
— Alpha Prime Racing (@TeamAlphaPrime) December 8, 2025
