A rumor has been circulating that Carson Brown, the 17‑year‑old Chevrolet prospect, could be elevated to a full‑time seat in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series next year, joining the lineup of Richard Childress Racing.
The team, long a staple in NASCAR’s developmental ranks, has been watching the young driver’s progress closely, especially after his recent test behind the wheel of an OAP car at North Wilkesboro.
A Potential Shake‑up in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series
Veteran Austin Hill is set to assume the No. 33 car for the remainder of the current season, a move many analysts view as a solid stepping stone toward a potential full‑time ride in 2027.
The reshuffle also includes Jesse Love’s transition to Ford and a seat with Wood Brothers Racing for the 2027 Cup Series campaign, leaving the No. 2 entry open and adding another layer of intrigue to the driver market.
Brown’s résumé includes a victory and four top‑five finishes in just four part‑time ARCA Menards Series starts with Pinnacle Racing Group, underscoring his rapid development and the confidence RCR appears to be placing in him.
If the promotion materializes, it would mark a significant infusion of youthful talent into a series that serves as the primary feeder to the Cup level, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape heading into the next decade.
The upcoming months will likely bring more clarity as teams finalize driver agreements and the series prepares for its next broadcast cycle, but for now the speculation surrounding Brown’s possible promotion remains one of the most talked‑about storylines in American stock car racing.