AM Racing entered the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series full‑time in 2023, fielding a lineup that included Nick Sanchez and Daniel Dye. The team quickly became one of only two Ford‑branded entries, a status that persisted through the 2026 season. Sanchez’s third‑place finish at EchoPark Speedway, formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway, remains the highest achievement for the organization.
The End of an Era
The sudden withdrawal from the early April race at Rockingham marked the beginning of the end. After pulling out of the 2026 schedule, AM Racing announced a complete shutdown, joining Hettinger Racing, the sole remaining Ford partner, in exiting the series after just eleven races. Their departures erased a 1,116‑race streak that had guaranteed at least one Ford on every O'Reilly Series grid.
Ford’s absence was underscored when the series released an entry list that omitted the manufacturer entirely, a first in the modern era. A brief exception appeared at Dover Motor Speedway, where RSS Racing entered the No 38 Chevrolet for Logan Bearden, signaling a one‑off Chevrolet presence that did little to restore Ford’s standing.
A Surprise Return
The shift also highlighted the broader realignment within the sport. With Big Machine Racing, Haas Factory Team, Kaulig Racing and other Ford‑affiliated programs already operating under different banners, the loss of AM Racing and Hettinger Racing left the Blue Oval without a full‑time representation. Industry observers note that the move could affect Ford’s marketing investments and future technical partnerships.
Despite the setbacks, Ford hinted at a possible resurgence, suggesting that the brand may explore new alliances or field entries under different team names. For now, the NASCAR landscape reflects a transitional period, where historic streaks are broken and new narratives are being written on the track.