AM Racing, a once‑promising entrant in NASCAR’s Xfinity Series, confirmed that it will cease operations immediately, releasing all staff and ending its racing program after a season marked by financial strain.
A Brief Rise, Then a Sudden Fall
The team had entered the series with a modest Ford‑backed program, fielding a small stable of cars and relying on partnerships to stay afloat. Its most visible achievement came when driver Nick Sanchez, a young talent recently released by Big Machine Racing, posted a third‑place finish at Atlanta, briefly shining a light on the organization.
Behind the scenes, however, the outfit was wrestling with a cascade of payroll problems. Employees reported bounced checks and delayed wages, and Vice President of Competition Matthew Lucas had been working overtime to find a financial lifeline that never materialized.
The difficulties forced the team to pull out of a scheduled appearance at Rockingham in April, a move that added to the sense of uncertainty. Although there were discussions about fielding a second entry in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series, the plan never progressed beyond speculation.
With the closure, Sanchez now finds himself without a ride, his short‑term contract dissolved along with the team’s hopes of expanding its schedule.