AM Racing’s plan to sell the team to SPS Racing collapsed just as the 2026 season approaches, forcing an urgent AM Racing NASCAR driver search for a replacement in the No. 25 Ford. The last-minute upheaval challenges AM Racing to quickly secure a credible driver amid limited available talent.
Setbacks for AM Racing After Failed Sale Agreement
Last autumn, AM Racing reached a major milestone by breaking into the NASCAR Xfinity Series playoffs for the first time, attracting attention with the announcement of a sale to SPS Racing, a respected ARCA Menards Series organization. Fans of the newly rebranded NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series discussed SPS’s possible impact through the off-season, with many expecting Ford’s continued support and the potential return of former driver Harrison Burton.
However, the anticipated transition stalled as little concrete information emerged about a confirmed driver for SPS’s 2026 campaign. The situation became clear late last week when AM Racing published a statement on its former X account—temporarily rebranded to SPS Racing and now reverted—confirming the sale had failed to finalize and that the team would proceed into the new season independently.
AM Racing Faces Limited Options for New Driver
With the transaction dissolved, AM Racing now confronts a difficult reality: most top-tier drivers have already signed with other teams, constraining their search to a much smaller group. As a result, finding a competitive full-time AM Racing NASCAR driver in time is a significant hurdle. This comes as NASCAR recently expanded the allowed number of lower-series starts for Cup Series drivers—permitting 10 NASCAR OAP Series appearances in 2026, up from five the year prior.
While major manufacturers like Chevrolet and Toyota have outlined ways for their Cup Series drivers to acquire additional race experience in lower divisions, Ford currently lacks such a system. This absence could allow AM Racing to provide valuable driving opportunities for Ford Cup drivers seeking extra track time or non-championship victories throughout the year.
SPS Racing proposed this idea during earlier discussions about their intended purchase, and AM Racing has a precedent for this approach, having fielded various Ford Cup drivers following Hailie Deegan’s partial exit in 2024. However, if AM Racing hopes for stability and wants to secure a permanent driver, their options are rapidly dwindling.
Exploring Driver Candidates From Truck Series
Some available free agents have prior connections with Chevrolet in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Matt Mills stands out after completing his second full Truck Series season with Niece Motorsports. While his performance has not captured headlines, he does bring NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series experience which could be valuable for AM Racing in their transition.
Another option is Bayley Currey, a teammate of Mills at Niece Motorsports. Currey endured an unpredictable part-time season with several rides but also holds solid experience at the OAP Series level. Both Mills and Currey remain unsigned, keeping AM Racing’s opportunities open if they choose to pursue a familiar presence from the Truck Series ranks.
Connor Mosack, who is expected to split time between select Truck Series races with Spire Motorsports and ARCA battles with Pinnacle Racing Group, possesses relevant experience as well. If AM Racing targets consistent performance metrics over immediate victories, Mosack could offer respectable on-track results.
Experienced Wins Remain Elusive
Despite their professional credentials, none of these candidates—Mills, Currey, or Mosack—matches the competitive success or high profile of AM Racing’s 2025 achievements, nor have any won a race at the NASCAR National Series level. Previous standout Harrison Burton, who might have been considered a prize free agent, has already been secured by Sam Hunt Racing for the upcoming campaign, leaving AM Racing without an obvious star choice.
This situation leaves AM Racing at a crossroads, as they balance the urgency to fill the No. 25 seat against the limited market for experienced, winning drivers. The decision they make in the coming days will not only shape their chances on the track in 2026, but may also influence Ford’s broader prospects in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series—especially as the field adapts to new rules and expanded Cup Series involvement.
— AM Racing (@AMRacingNASCAR) January 30, 2026
