A New Chapter for the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series
Richard Childress Racing confirmed that a third entry will join the 2026 NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series lineup, marking an expansion that has been eagerly anticipated by fans and series officials alike. The new car will be fielded for Cleetus McFarland, whose first appearance came at Rockingham Speedway in early April, where he finished 32nd after a challenging debut.
The third car made its second outing at Texas Motor Speedway, this time with veteran driver Austin Dillon at the wheel. Dillon’s effort resulted in a 23rd‑place finish, providing the team with valuable data as it evaluates the program’s competitiveness moving forward.
McFarland’s next test took place at Nashville Superspeedway, where he ran the shorter‑track package required by NASCAR before tackling the larger venues. He crossed the finish line in 35th position, a result that underscores both the learning curve and the team’s commitment to developing the program.
Uncertainty Looms Over the Program
Despite the recent on‑track activity, Richard Childress Racing has not disclosed any concrete plans for the third entry beyond the Nashville race. The car is absent from the entry list for the upcoming Pocono Raceway event, and series insiders suggest that Austin Dillon is unlikely to resume driving the No. 3 O'Reilly car before the end of the year.