AM Racing has confirmed that stock car racing driver Nicholas Sanchez will join their team for the upcoming AM Racing NASCAR 2026 season, marking a significant shift in their competitive lineup. The announcement, made public by Sanchez on his X account, energized fans as he prepares to step into the #25 Ford for his full-time sophomore campaign.
Sanchez launched his career in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2022, participating in select races with B.J. McLeod Motorsports and Big Machine Racing. He moved on to spend two full-time seasons competing in the Craftsman Truck Series with Rev Racing in 2023 and 2024. Returning to NASCAR’s second-tier series in 2025, Sanchez drove the #48 Chevy with Big Machine Racing and delivered consistent performances, culminating in an 11th place finish in the standings at the end of the season. As a result of this strong run, AM Racing chose to bring Sanchez on board, replacing Cup Series race winner Harrison Burton in the driver’s seat.
Reacting to his new contract with the team, Sanchez stated:
“Excited for this new chapter with @AMRacingNASCAR & @FordRacing. Ready for this opportunity and focused on the season ahead!”
– Nicholas Sanchez, Driver
Fans welcomed the news enthusiastically on social media, offering messages of encouragement and anticipation. One supporter commented:
“Hell yeah I like this fit and hopefully ford can support it a bit to keep it all afloat”
– User, Fan
The excitement continued to build, with messages such as:
“Congratulations @Nicksanchez080 I’m buying your merchandise,”
– User, Fan
“So so happy to hear this news Nick. Can’t wait to see ya in that AMR car,”
– User, Fan
“this is good news this guy will be on the GAS!”
– Enthusiast, Motorsport Fan
“Good luck this season,”
– Stock Car Racing Fanatic
Sanchez showcased his driving talent throughout the 2025 Xfinity Series season, capturing his first victory at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Over the course of 33 starts, he not only won a race but also recorded seven top-five and 12 top-ten finishes, leading a total of 83 laps in his #48 Chevy. These consistent results caught the attention of AM Racing as they sought to strengthen their roster for the next season.
AM Racing’s New Direction After Sigma Performance Series Fallout
Prior to finalizing Sanchez’s signing, AM Racing publicly stated their commitment to the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series after a failed deal with Sigma Performance Services. Not long before the 2026 season opener at Daytona International Speedway, analyst Joseph Srigley noted the team’s renewed independence as the previously announced acquisition did not come to fruition. Srigley said:
“In November of 2025, an acquisition of AM Racing was announced. While the transaction was ultimately not finalized, AM Racing will move forward independently and remain committed to competition in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.”
– Joseph Srigley, NASCAR Reporter
From 2023 to 2025, AM Racing fielded several drivers, including Brett Moffitt, Hailie Deegan, and Harrison Burton. The team compiled a track record of three top-five and 21 top-ten finishes in 99 race starts during this period, demonstrating their ability to contend with top competitors. Moving forward as an independent team, the signing of Sanchez is seen as a step to maintain and possibly heighten their competitive edge heading into the new season.
The addition of Nicholas Sanchez for the AM Racing NASCAR 2026 season signals a fresh chapter for both the driver and the team. With Sanchez’s prior achievements and the renewed direction of AM Racing, anticipation is building for what the next season will hold as fans and analysts alike watch their progress on the track.
Excited for this new chapter with @AMRacingNASCAR & @FordRacing . Ready for this opportunity and focused on the season ahead! pic.twitter.com/bR9UxGTZ2d
— Nicholas Sanchez (@Nicksanchez080) February 9, 2026
