Nick Sanchez will drive full time for AM Racing in the 2026 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, as confirmed by the team on Monday. This move comes after Sanchez, known for his success in previous seasons, was selected to pilot the No. 25 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, making Nick Sanchez AM Racing 2026 a key headline for the upcoming season.
AM Racing Officially Welcomes Nick Sanchez
AM Racing shared the news across their platforms, officially announcing Sanchez as the new driver for the No. 25 entry in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
“AM Racing is excited to announce the signing of rising phenom Nick Sanchez as the driver of the team’s No. 25 Ford Mustang Dark Horse in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series,”
—AM Racing, Team Statement
This announcement marks a fresh start for both Sanchez and the team as they look forward to the challenges and opportunities of the 2026 season.
Background on Nick Sanchez and Team Changes
Sanchez learned in December that he would not continue with Big Machine Racing for 2026, despite achieving a race win at EchoPark Speedway during his rookie campaign. With Big Machine Racing opting to bring in Patrick Staropoli, Sanchez began seeking new opportunities and found a fit with AM Racing.
During the 2025 season, Sanchez delivered strong performances with seven top-five finishes and twelve top-tens for Big Machine Racing. He now steps into the seat previously held by Harrison Burton, who had earned a playoff spot with AM Racing and secured ten top-10 finishes.
AM Racing Looks to Future Success with Sanchez
The team shared their enthusiasm by welcoming Sanchez on social media and expressing optimism for the year ahead.
“New Year ➡️ New Driver! Welcome @Nicksanchez080 pic.twitter.com/Ty5mdYQyUO”
—AM Racing, Social Media Announcement
With this lineup change, AM Racing aims to build on past playoff qualifications while Sanchez gets a chance to further his career in one of NASCAR’s notable teams.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
The addition of Nick Sanchez provides AM Racing with a promising competitor as the 2026 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series approaches. Both the driver and the team anticipate a strong partnership, looking to make an impact on the track and achieve new milestones together.
New Year ➡️ New Driver! Welcome @Nicksanchez080 pic.twitter.com/Ty5mdYQyUO
— AM Racing (@AMRacingNASCAR) February 9, 2026
