As the 2026 NASCAR season approaches and driver lineups remain fluid, Hailie Deegan has sparked speculation about a possible return to NASCAR after a year spent in open-wheel racing. This uncertainty follows a flurry of activity and unanswered questions involving key figures and major teams in the newly renamed O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
Key Drivers Still Unsigned as Silly Season Speculation Escalates
With teams solidifying their rosters for 2026, several high-profile drivers—such as Aric Almirola, Nick Sanchez, and Hailie Deegan—still have uncertain futures. The driver market has shifted rapidly, leaving questions about where these competitors might land. Changes at Joe Gibbs Racing, particularly with the No. 19 machine, have heightened attention. After securing the 2025 owner’s championship in a car shared with various drivers, Aric Almirola remains without a confirmed seat for next season, as JGR announced Brent Crews for 29 planned races and Brandon Jones continuing in the No. 20. William Sawalich is expected to return as the primary driver for the No. 18 Toyota.
The situation for the No. 19 team is still unresolved, with some races in need of drivers due to age-related restrictions on Brent Crews until he turns 18. This opens discussions about whether Almirola might continue in a part-time capacity, as has been the case in the past.
NASCAR fan Daniel Kriete commented on the evolving scenario, capturing the swirling rumors and the uncertainty that envelops Almirola’s career as the current season nears its end.
“There are some questions around Aric Almirola currently at the moment, what he’ll be doing for 2026. One of the rumors that has been circulating is that Aric Almirola could be officially retired from the sport at the end of this year. He also could make a one-off start for Joe Gibbs Racing. Brent Crews is not going to be able to run the first two races of the year because he doesn’t turn 18 years old,” Kriete noted. (4:04 onwards)
This eligibility issue with Brent Crews allows for speculation about part-time drivers stepping in, with Almirola remaining a logical option for those early events.
Nick Sanchez Evaluates Opportunities After Big Machine Racing Departure
Nick Sanchez, highlighted for his remarkable rookie campaign and playoff berth secured with a June win at Atlanta, also faces an unclear path for 2026. Having transitioned from the Truck Series to Big Machine Racing for his Xfinity Series debut in 2025, Sanchez quickly made an impression at the new level. Despite this momentum, Sanchez publicly confirmed through social media that he will not return to his seat in the No. 48 car for 2026, expressing gratitude for his team but offering no details about his next destination.
Daniel Kriete offered insight into Sanchez’s situation, emphasizing the limited available rides and various possibilities under consideration.
“There’s a lot of question marks currently at the moment with there not being a ton of rides left available at this point on where Nick Sanchez could end up in 2026. One of my theories has been is maybe he goes Spire Motorsports…. I think him going in-house Spire Motorsports would make a ton of sense at this point. I also could see him ending up with a different organization for next year.” (1:47 onwards)
Spire Motorsports recently announced plans for a two-truck entry in 2026, fueling discussions about its potential role as a landing spot for Sanchez. The team’s restructuring could see both the No. 7 and No. 77 compete in part-time or specialized programs, adding to the speculation regarding their driver lineup for the upcoming season.
Hailie Deegan Considers Her Competitive Options After INDY NXT Debut
Hailie Deegan’s status has become a major talking point as 2026 approaches, especially given her possible “return to NASCAR.” After years progressing through ARCA, the Truck Series, and the Xfinity Series, Deegan switched disciplines in 2025, tackling open-wheel racing with HMD Motorsports in INDY NXT. Piloting the No. 38 entry, she accumulated 202 points, finishing 14th in the final standings—a season that offered critical new racing experience, even if it did not produce headline-grabbing results.
Her arrangement with HMD Motorsports was limited to one season, and the team has already begun assembling its driver roster for 2026. Emmo Fittipaldi’s recent signing, along with Australian driver Jack Beeton’s addition earlier following test performances at the Chris Griffis Memorial Test, has left Deegan’s future uncertain. Analysts and fans alike are closely watching for signals about her next step. Daniel Kriete reviewed the developing possibilities around Deegan, touching on both rumors and direct hints from Deegan’s own public appearances.
“Hailie Deegan, there’s been some questions about her maybe making a return to racing in 2026. She did post a go-kart video recently and did say she is preparing for the 2026 year. There were rumors earlier this year about her going to McAnally–Hilgemann, but that seems like those rumors have kind of died down… I’m not sure if she’ll do something with Ford (Performance) or she’ll stay in Indy Lights or Indy NXT. But she also could return to NASCAR as early as the 2026 year,” he added. (6:40 onwards)
So far, a NASCAR comeback remains plausible but unconfirmed. With Ty Majeski moving to ThorSport’s No. 88, there is a vacancy in the No. 98 Truck, and Kaulig Racing is still finalizing its three RAM-backed entries for its Truck Series debut in 2026. These open seats, coupled with Deegan’s hints in the media and her ongoing preparations, leave the door open for a Hailie Deegan 2026 NASCAR return.
The 2026 INDY NXT campaign, slated to commence March 1 on the streets of St. Petersburg, is quickly approaching, but Deegan still has time before making her definitive decision. Any move she makes, particularly a return to NASCAR, will no doubt energize fan interest and continue to shape the ever-evolving landscape of the series’ driver pool.
