Viking Motorsports has unveiled its plans to expand in the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, with driver Anthony Alfredo set to take the wheel of the number 96 car, guided by crew chief Josh Graham. This move marks a significant step for Viking Motorsports, positioning the team for a larger presence and greater competitiveness in the series next season.
Anthony Alfredo to Drive Full Time With Josh Graham as Crew Chief
The announcement confirms that Anthony Alfredo will be the primary driver for Viking Motorsports in the number 96 car throughout the entire 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Supporting him will be Josh Graham serving as the crew chief, forming a new partnership aimed at delivering strong performances on the track.
“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)
Alfredo’s move to Viking Motorsports puts the focus on new driver-crew chief chemistry and the team’s ambition to climb the ranks in a series that already includes prominent organizations such as Big Machine Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing, and JR Motorsports. The commitment to a full-time program is expected to provide more consistency in strategy and team development over the course of the demanding NASCAR schedule.
Context Around the 2026 NASCAR Series Developments
The 2026 NASCAR season is shaping up with several significant team changes beyond Viking Motorsports’ expansion. Other notable developments include Nick Sanchez searching for a new ride after changes at Big Machine Racing, while Jordan Anderson Racing welcomes Rajah Caruth for a 10-race schedule. Meanwhile, teams like Track Enterprises and Rick Ware Racing are also making strategic adjustments for the upcoming season.
Viking Motorsports’ expansion is part of a wider trend of teams growing and refocusing as they prepare for a competitive landscape. The announcement demonstrates the team’s commitment to being more involved and competitive against established names in the series.
What This Means for Viking Motorsports and the NASCAR Community
With Anthony Alfredo and Josh Graham forming the cornerstone of Viking Motorsports’ 2026 campaign, the team aims to make an impression as they take on full-season duties in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. This step forward signals both an opportunity for new successes and added competition next year, reflecting the dynamic changes happening across the NASCAR paddock.
The Viking Motorsports 2026 NASCAR expansion solidifies the organization’s ambitions and could inspire further growth across the series as teams seek to position themselves for future victories and greater fan engagement.
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
