Hettinger Racing will compete in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series full time in 2026, the team revealed on Tuesday. The long-standing Michigan-based operation, led by Chris Hettinger, is preparing its No. 5 Ford Mustang for debut at Daytona International Speedway on February 14, 2026, with technical backing from Ford Racing and engines provided by Roush Yates.
Team Leadership and Technical Support Behind the New Entry
Owner Chris Hettinger has a diverse background in racing, starting with late model and open-wheel midget vehicles before taking on an ownership role in recent years. Hettinger Racing’s technical program for 2026 will be bolstered by Ford Racing’s support systems and Roush Yates Engines, a move that comes as two former Ford teams—Haas Factory Team and RSS Racing—prepare to run Chevrolets next season.
In the words of Chris Hettinger,
“This is about putting our race team in the right place at the right time,”
Hettinger said in a team statement. He continued,
“The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series has incredible momentum. It features great racing and the series gets significant exposure thanks to coverage from The CW. Combining that platform with the support of Ford Racing and Roush Yates Engines gives us the opportunity to grow our program into one that competes at a national level.”
Experience Driving Organizational Strategy
To strengthen the No. 5 entry, the team has welcomed Joe Williams Jr. as its competition director. Williams, who managed Alpha Prime Racing’s No. 4 Chevrolet in 2025 with Parker Retzlaff, secured three top-10 finishes that season and has a series win with Cole Custer from 2022. This move is part of Hettinger’s ongoing strategy to elevate the organization’s competitiveness.
Chris Hettinger expressed confidence in his team’s progress, stating,
“[Williams] brings a ton of experience, a ton of knowledge and we’re looking forward to how he can grow this program going forward,”
and outlined the team’s approach for the year, emphasizing development, race completion, and readiness to capitalize on opportunities for victory.
Building for Success at Daytona and Beyond
Preparation is underway with chassis acquisitions and the strategic purchase of owner’s points from Cope Family Racing’s No. 70 entry, ensuring the No. 5 Mustang has a guaranteed spot in Daytona’s season-opener. This proactive step places the new team well ahead of schedule.
Chris Hettinger reinforced this optimism:
“I actually feel really, really good about our program right now. Joe Williams and our guys have worked really, really hard. We basically have cars ready for the first four events … We feel like we’re way ahead of the game right now.”
Support from Key Partners and Industry Leaders
The team’s forward-thinking approach has garnered praise from industry partners such as Roush Yates Engines. Doug Yates, President and CEO, stated,
“I’ve been impressed by what Chris Hettinger has already built, and Roush Yates Engines is proud to be a part of Hettinger Racing’s future growth,”
and added,
“Chris is a racer and a very good businessman who is taking a smart and methodical approach to 2026. All of us at Roush Yates Engines are committed to him and his vision for Hettinger Racing.”
Continuing Developments as the 2026 Season Approaches
While the race team has not yet announced a driver for its premiere season, Chris Hettinger indicated that additional partnership announcements are forthcoming. With a legacy rooted in late model racing—including efforts by Hettinger’s daughter, Katie—the organization brings both experience and enthusiasm to its national series debut.
The Hettinger Racing NASCAR entry 2026 represents an ambitious leap for the team, leveraging experienced personnel, established partners, and a focus on competitive growth as they prepare for an inaugural campaign at the sport’s highest level. As the countdown to Daytona 2026 continues, anticipation grows around Hettinger’s bid to establish a lasting presence in NASCAR’s highly visible arena.
