Sheldon Creed captured his long-awaited maiden victory in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series on Saturday night at EchoPark Speedway, seizing the win after an electrifying final lap. This marked Creed’s first triumph after an arduous run of 15 second-place finishes, finally putting his name among race winners in the competitive series.
A Breakthrough Performance for Creed at EchoPark Speedway
In the lead-up to the race, the California native had recorded more runner-up finishes than any active driver in NASCAR’s secondary series without a win, trailing only Brian Scott in laps led without securing victory. Entering the evening at the 1.5-mile EchoPark mini-superspeedway, Creed knew opportunities were rare, yet he kept his focus on breaking his winless streak.
A Wild Final Lap Crowned the Night
The closing moments of the race were nothing short of chaotic. As the field approached the white flag, Austin Hill made his move past Ross Chastain for the lead, aiming for a sixth victory at his home track. However, as drivers battled toward the finish, the race transformed into a showdown marked by bold blocks, daring pushes, and high drama recognized by fans and commentators alike.
“The block into 3The save by HillThe first win for CreedThe HYPE inside the CW booth
O’Reilly Series really has everything you want pic.twitter.com/EuYiynYWHf
— Dirty Mo Media (@DirtyMoMedia) February 22, 2026”
– Dirty Mo Media
Key Race Developments: Overtakes, Saves, and a Charge to the Line
On the decisive lap, Chastain surged to the inside with a strong push from Creed. Hill attempted to cover the move, but contact with Chastain’s nose sent him spinning. Displaying impressive car control, Hill managed to recover his No. 21 Chevrolet and remain on track, yet relinquished the lead in the process. This left Creed in prime position, and he surged by Chastain on the outside with Parker Retzlaff close behind. With clear track ahead, Creed crossed the start-finish line first, greeted by cheers from both the crowd and his fellow competitors.
Race Results and Standout Performances
Parker Retzlaff secured second place, followed by Nick Sanchez, Corey Day, and Jesse Love rounding out the top five. Notably, Ross Chastain finished within the top ten, joined by Sam Mayer, Rajah Caruth, Taylor Gray, and Brandon Jones. Austin Hill, after his dramatic save, ultimately finished twelfth.
“Incredible. Yeah, been a loser the last few years and just kept showing up,”
Sheldon Creed, Driver
Crest of Perseverance: Creed’s Reaction and Gratitude
Emotion was evident as Creed reflected on his win with Dillon Welch after the checkered flag. He acknowledged the struggle of not winning since moving up to the Xfinity-equivalent series, despite previous success elsewhere in his career. Creed expressed deep appreciation for his former teams, as well as those supporting him now, crediting organizations like Richard Childress Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing, Haas Factory Team, and Hendrick Engine Shop for their roles in his journey.
“Incredible. Thank all my past teams at RCR (Richard Childress Racing) and Gibbs (Joe Gibbs Racing). They all gave me great opportunities. And now here with Haas Factory Team and back with Chevrolet and great engines. Hendrick Engine Shop did a great job for us.”
– Sheldon Creed, Driver
Looking Ahead: Creed’s Path Forward
Sheldon Creed’s first O’Reilly win now turns attention to what the rest of his season might bring. With championships in the ARCA Menards Series and Craftsman Truck Series already to his name, Creed now seeks to capitalize on this breakthrough in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. The victory at EchoPark Speedway could serve as the catalyst for a playoff run, with the next challenge awaiting at Circuit of the Americas. Currently holding third place in the standings, Creed is poised to be a contender in upcoming races.
The block into 3
The save by Hill
The first win for Creed
The HYPE inside the CW boothO’Reilly Series really has everything you want pic.twitter.com/EuYiynYWHf
— Dirty Mo Media (@DirtyMoMedia) February 22, 2026
"Probably gonna drink a ton of Coors Lights tonight."
Cheers, @sheldoncreed! 🍻 pic.twitter.com/MlxaqHeetv
— The CW Sports (@TheCW_Sports) February 22, 2026
