Baltazar Leguizamón will become the first driver from Argentina to compete in multiple races as part of his NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series debut in 2026, marking an important milestone for both his career and Argentine motorsport. His NASCAR debut will showcase the focus keyword, “Baltazar Leguizamón NASCAR debut,” as he enters one of the world‘s most prestigious and difficult motorsport championships.
Leguizamón Partners with Barrett-Cope Racing for New Chapter
The racing endeavor will be undertaken by Barrett-Cope Racing, a newly established team in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, co-owned by Stanton Barrett, Derrike Cope, Elyshia Cope, and Kevin Cope. Derrike Cope, the 1990 Daytona 500 victor, is set to take an active role in mentoring Leguizamón, concentrating on his adaptation and progress within the series. Stanton Barrett, who not only co-owns the team but also competes as a driver, will participate in select events throughout the 2026 campaign. This partnership underscores the team’s commitment to nurturing new talent and expanding its presence in the series.
Chevrolet and Technical Support for Competitive Edge
Baltazar Leguizamón will drive the No. 30 Chevrolet Camaro, powered by Earnhardt-Childress Racing (ECR) Engines, with technical support and engineering guidance provided by Team Chevy. The program benefits from factory-backed support from Brembo Racing Brakes, with Bruno Santoro offering expertise on optimizing the braking systems for various track types, including both road circuits and ovals. This technical alliance is designed to maximize performance and ensure the team remains competitive against established NASCAR fixtures.
Major U.S. Tracks Added to 2026 Racing Schedule
The racing calendar will see Leguizamón make his first start in February 2026 at Circuit of the Americas, a renowned venue in U.S. motorsports. March will bring the challenge of Martinsville Speedway, an iconic oval on the NASCAR circuit, with a May outing planned for the historic Watkins Glen International track. The plan involves a progressive schedule anchored by at least ten events in the season, with an emphasis on increasing his experience at oval racetracks.
The year is expected to conclude at Miami, where Leguizamón aims to secure a full NASCAR license. This progression represents a crucial phase in his long-term aspirations within the American racing landscape, as multiple oval events are scheduled to provide vital experience and exposure.
Mentors Share Their Vision for Success
Team leaders and owners have voiced their confidence in Leguizamón’s potential and the collaborative effort behind the project. Derrike Cope, both an owner and the 1990 Daytona 500 champion, expressed:
“I am very pleased to be working with Baltazar for the 2026 O’Reilly Auto Parts series season. He is a very accomplished road racer, and he is a driven individual with a great deal of desire to succeed in NASCAR. Together we will provide all the necessary elements for Baltazar to showcase his talents against some of the best in the sport. Our focus will be on the oval racetracks to acquire all the experience possible that will enable him to become a stable fixture in NASCAR for years to come!”
Derrike Cope, Team Owner and 1990 Daytona 500 Champion
Stanton Barrett also highlighted the team’s ambition:
“I am excited that our vision as a team has come together with opportunities to provide a sound racing organization to support the expansion of talent from Argentina with Baltazar that will allow him to cultivate a successful career in NASCAR. Cope and myself look forward to coaching while providing him the equipment to be competitive in the exciting O’Reilly series.”
Stanton Barrett, Owner and Driver for Barrett-Cope Racing
NASCAR’s Global Reach and Leguizamón’s Background
Baltazar Leguizamón’s involvement comes as NASCAR is experiencing notable global expansion, attracting one of the largest sports audiences in the United States and continuing to grow its digital footprint. The series is well known for national reach, a dedicated fan base, and rising international relevance. Leguizamón’s debut shapes a new chapter for Argentine talent on the world stage of American motorsport.
After five years, Leguizamón returns consistently to U.S. racing, having previously earned titles as Formula Atlantic Champion, FIA Formula 3 Americas Vice Champion, and LMP3 Endurance Champion, as well as achieving race wins in the F4 U.S. Championship. In Argentina, his own team collected multiple victories and podiums across Top Race and ACTC competitions, further establishing his credentials as a proven race winner and competitor.
What Leguizamón’s Debut Means for Motorsport
The upcoming Baltazar Leguizamón NASCAR debut signals a significant step for Argentine representation in American motorsport, potentially opening doors for future international racers. The combination of experienced mentors like Derrike Cope and Stanton Barrett, technical support from Chevrolet, and Leguizamón’s diverse racing background sets the stage for a promising 2026 season. As NASCAR’s influence continues to widen, all eyes will be on Leguizamón and Barrett-Cope Racing when the season opens at Circuit of the Americas, shaping both the driver’s evolving legacy and the sport’s international appeal.
