Viking Motorsports has burst onto the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series scene, delivering top‑five finishes in recent races that underscore its rapid rise.
The turnaround began seven months ago, just days after the 2025 season concluded, when the team executed wholesale changes that set the stage for 2026.
Central to the surge are drivers Parker Retzlaff and Anthony Alfredo, who have each cracked the podium in two of the last three events, with Retzlaff fourth at Sonoma and Alfredo fifth at the same track.
Alfredo’s climb to 16th in the standings and his 87‑point gain over the past three races illustrate the tangible impact of the new technical alliance with Richard Childress Racing, which includes an ECR engine deal.
Owner Don Sackett, a lifelong racing enthusiast, has woven his business acumen into the team’s operations, expanding to a two‑car lineup and securing partnerships that amplify performance.
Strategic Vision Pays Off
The expanded roster now fields the No. 99 Chevrolet for Retzlaff, paired with veteran crew chief Danny Efland, and the No. 96 Chevrolet for Alfredo, a Hendrick Motorsports test driver.
These strategic moves have not only lifted on‑track results but also positioned Viking Motorsports as a rising force in the series.