Hettinger Racing is elevating its presence in the motorsport world, announcing their transition from the CARS Tour to compete full-time in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series for the 2026 season, marking a significant move for Ford Racing’s involvement in the series. This Hettinger Racing NASCAR move comes as the iconic brand seeks to expand its influence and compete with a fresh team on the national stage.
Ford Racing’s Roster Expands for 2026
The Ford Racing lineup in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series is growing with Hettinger Racing joining the fray. After gaining experience and recognition in the CARS Tour, Hettinger is taking the next big step, now equipped with full support from Ford. The team is set to field the No. 5 Ford Mustang Dark Horse throughout the 2026 championship.
Currently, Hettinger Racing has not announced a driver or sponsor for their 2026 campaign. Though figures like Nick Sanchez are speculated among fans as possible contenders for the seat, no official decisions or signings have been revealed yet. The announcement has left anticipation high for the eventual unveiling of their racing lineup.
Official Commitment and Technical Partners
The team’s confirmation came through an exuberant announcement, highlighting full-time competition plans and their network of technical partners:
“🚨 NEWS ALERT! We will compete fulltime in the #NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2026 with the No. 5 Ford Mustang. Technical support will come from @FordRacing. @RoushYates will supply engines. Joe Williams Jr. is the crew chief. Stay tuned for driver plans. pic.twitter.com/jak2PcIj6g”
— HettingerRacing (@HettingerRacing)
Hettinger Racing will utilize power from Roush Yates Engines and will look to Joe Williams Jr. as their crew chief for the season. The group has also secured owner points from Cope Family Racing‘s 2025 efforts, which will help them hit the ground running with a stronger competitive foundation.
Team Owner’s Vision and Support from Ford
Team boss Chris Hettinger expressed both optimism and ambition for the jump to a national stock car series:
“This is about putting our race team in the right place at the right time,”
— Chris Hettinger, Team Owner
“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.”
— Chris Hettinger, Team Owner
Ford Seeks Growth Amid Major Changes in the Paddock
Ford Racing has experienced significant shuffling ahead of the 2026 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season. With Haas and RSS Racing no longer aligned with Ford and only AM Racing carrying the manufacturer’s banner for a period, there was concern about Ford’s representation. However, the addition of Hettinger Racing means Ford’s presence is revitalized, with at least two teams—Hettinger and the recently restructured Sigma Performance Services—fielding cars in the coming year.
The acquisition of AM Racing by Sigma brings a new dynamic to the field, resulting in two new Ford-backed programs set to develop and prove themselves over the next season. Although it remains to be seen how these fledgling teams will fare against more established outfits, fans and industry insiders alike are watching keenly as the new Mustangs prepare for their national series debut.
Expectations for Hettinger and Fellow Ford Teams
Hettinger Racing has gathered experience in select ARCA races across the last two years, with Carson Brown bringing home the team’s first win at Five Flags Speedway in early 2025. While a full-time NASCAR campaign represents a leap in competition, the squad will benefit from key technical partnerships and foundational experience.
Forecasting their on-track results is challenging given the absence of official drivers and unanswered questions about other personnel. Nonetheless, securing legacy owner points and forging connections with established Ford suppliers bode well for Hettinger’s inaugural national campaign.
Looking Ahead to a Competitive 2026 Season
With its new teams and technical alliances, Ford Racing’s lineup in the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series is set for a period of transformation and growth. Hettinger Racing’s entry not only symbolizes Ford’s commitment to racing at this level but also brings renewed energy and competition to the series. As fans await the official driver announcement and watch both Hettinger Racing and Sigma Performance Services develop, the season promises excitement and fresh narratives throughout the circuit.
🚨 NEWS ALERT! We will compete fulltime in the #NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2026 with the No. 5 Ford Mustang. Technical support will come from @FordRacing. @RoushYates will supply engines. Joe Williams Jr. is the crew chief. Stay tuned for driver plans. pic.twitter.com/jak2PcIj6g
— HettingerRacing (@HettingerRacing) December 23, 2025
