Viking Motorsports, a scrappy startup NASCAR team launched in 2024, has quickly become a talking point in the O’Reilly Series, the second‑tier circuit that sits just below the premier Cup division.
Backed by entrepreneur Don Sackett and former NASCAR executive Jeremy Lange, the team entered its first full‑time season in 2025 with a lean roster of just 20 employees, yet it already boasts several top‑five finishes that have surprised both fans and seasoned competitors.
Strategic Alliances Fuel Performance
A key driver of Viking’s rapid ascent has been its alliance with Richard Childress Racing, which supplies used chassis from Kaulig Racing. This partnership not only reduces development costs but also grants the team technical expertise that punches above its weight on the track.
The collaboration has translated into a string of strong race results, positioning one of Viking’s drivers to clinch a spot in the Chase for the championship as the season draws to a close.
Creative Marketing and Broadcast Exposure
Viking’s visibility extends beyond the track through a partnership with The CW Network. Unique paint schemes and programming tie‑ins have turned races into cultural moments, while a viral stunt like the ‘One Chip Challenge’ has swelled the team’s social media following to nearly 15,000 fans.
Clear 28 Agency manages the team’s sponsorship sales, securing deals with brands such as Dude Wipes, FunkAway, and VaVia dumpster rentals, as well as collaborations with the Savannah Bananas and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency. These partnerships underscore a blue‑collar appeal that resonates with NASCAR’s core audience.
Despite the growing buzz, Viking has no immediate plans to move into the Cup Series. Instead, the team is laser‑focused on capturing a championship in the O’Reilly Series, leveraging its underdog narrative and innovative approach to sustain momentum as viewership climbs 10% this season to 1.134 million per event.