Big Machine Racing Overview
Big Machine Racing is an American professional stock car racing team founded in 2021 by record executive Scott Borchetta. The team fields the No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro SS full-time in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series events, operating from a shop on the Richard Childress Racing campus in Welcome, North Carolina.
Big Machine Racing combines a commercial motorsports program with the promotional resources of Big Machine Records and Borchetta’s ownership. Since its debut, the team has pursued growth through technical alliances and a varied driver lineup while campaigning under the Chevrolet manufacturer banner.
Founding and Organizational Origins
Scott Borchetta established Big Machine Racing as an extension of Big Machine Records in 2021, moving from music into professional stock car racing. The organization purchased equipment and inventory from existing series teams to accelerate entry into the NASCAR national series and hired personnel with prior Xfinity Series experience to assemble race-day operations.
The team based its operations in North Carolina and structured its staff to support a full-time Xfinity Series program. Early leadership included crew chiefs and engineers drawn from other NASCAR teams, reflecting a pragmatic approach to building a competitive program quickly rather than growing entirely from within.
Growth Into NASCAR Competition
Big Machine Racing entered NASCAR national competition with the No. 48 Chevrolet in the 2021 season, running a full Xfinity Series schedule. The team announced a formal technical alliance with Richard Childress Racing beginning in 2022 and relocated to a shop on the RCR campus, establishing closer access to engineering resources and shared infrastructure.
The RCR alliance has been a central element of the team’s operational growth, allowing Big Machine Racing to tap into chassis, engineering support, and the experience of a long-standing NASCAR organization. That partnership, along with continued sponsorship and promotional backing, enabled the team to expand its driver roster and compete for higher finishes and playoff berths.
Big Machine Racing Competitive Journey
From its 2021 debut, Big Machine Racing progressed from an expansion-era newcomer to a competitive Xfinity Series stable capable of race wins and playoff appearances. The team has run primarily the No. 48 entry while occasionally fielding a second car for selected events and employing a mix of full-time drivers, Cup drivers, and road-course specialists.
Early Seasons and Development (2021–2022)
Big Machine Racing debuted in 2021 with Jade Buford announced as the initial full-time driver of the No. 48 Chevrolet. The organization acquired equipment from other Xfinity Series operations and staffed the team with experienced crew personnel to support a first full season of national competition.
In 2022 the team formalized a technical alliance with Richard Childress Racing and moved operations to a shop on the RCR campus in Welcome, North Carolina. That year saw multiple drivers take turns in the No. 48 car, including Cup Series drivers and road-course specialists, culminating in the program’s first Xfinity Series victory.
Breakthrough in NASCAR Xfinity Series (2022–2024)
Big Machine Racing recorded its first Xfinity Series victory on May 21, 2022, when Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick won at Texas Motor Speedway while driving the No. 48. That milestone established the team as a race-winning operation and validated the effects of its technical partnership with Richard Childress Racing.
Following the 2022 breakthrough, the team continued to attract a mix of experienced drivers and emerging talent, including Parker Kligerman, who qualified the No. 48 for the 2023 Xfinity Series playoffs. The program expanded race-day experience through spot entries and targeted lineups while navigating penalties and competitive challenges during the 2023–2024 seasons.
Modern Program and Current Direction (2024–Present)
As of the 2025 season, Big Machine Racing continues under Scott Borchetta’s ownership with Chevrolet as its manufacturer and a maintained technical alliance with Richard Childress Racing. The shop on the RCR campus and shared infrastructure with Kaulig Racing support day-to-day race preparation and logistics.
Nick Sanchez was announced to pilot the No. 48 for the team beginning with the 2025 campaign, moving up after two years in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series to compete for Rookie of the Year honors. Sanchez opened the season with a 35th-place DNF at Daytona and later earned his first career Xfinity Series victory at Atlanta, marking a continued pattern of milestone results for the organization.
Engineering Philosophy and Competitive Strengths
Big Machine Racing’s technical approach emphasizes leverage of its alliance with Richard Childress Racing to access chassis development, setup support, and engineering resources common to established NASCAR programs. That partnership underpins the team’s race-week preparation and has contributed to on-track competitiveness, especially as the organization integrates younger drivers and spot entrants into its program.
Key Milestones and Major Moments
Key moments in Big Machine Racing history include the team launch in 2021, the 2022 alliance and relocation to the RCR campus, its first Xfinity Series victory at Texas in May 2022, and Parker Kligerman’s 2023 playoff qualification. The team also fielded a second car for the 2023 Daytona 300 and experienced an L1 penalty following the 2024 Michigan event that resulted in owner and driver point deductions and a fine for the crew chief.
Big Machine Racing Achievements and Results
Big Machine Racing has recorded verified race victories and steady participation in Xfinity Series events since its 2021 debut. Across its national series program the organization has focused on building competitiveness through technical alliances and a mixed driver strategy that pairs developing talent with experienced veterans.
Xfinity Series Achievements
The team’s first Xfinity Series win came at Texas Motor Speedway on May 21, 2022, with Tyler Reddick behind the wheel of the No. 48. A later milestone came when Nick Sanchez secured his first-career Xfinity Series victory at Atlanta during his rookie season with Big Machine Racing, providing the program with a second confirmed series win.
Truck Series and Development Program Success
Big Machine Racing has leveraged the Xfinity Series program as a platform for driver development, notably signing Nick Sanchez after his tenure in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. The team has also employed substitute drivers with Truck Series experience for select events, using cross-series relationships to expand its talent pipeline and race-readiness.
By the start of the 2025 championship race cycle the organization had compiled multiple wins and continued to pursue competitive growth, aiming to build on early success while maintaining its technical alliance and operational base in Welcome, North Carolina.
