Just days before the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series gets underway, Nick Sanchez has confirmed a new team for the upcoming season after being unexpectedly released by Big Machine Racing. The 24-year-old driver, known for his recent breakout performances, has signed with AM Racing to pilot their No. 25 Ford Mustang Dark Horse in 2026, providing him with a fresh opportunity at the competitive series.
Sanchez’s Performance and Sudden Exit from Big Machine Racing
Nick Sanchez emerged last season as a promising talent in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, capturing Big Machine Racing’s first victory in over three years. Alongside this significant win, he delivered six top-five finishes, five top-10s, and secured 12th place in the overall driver standings. His impressive results caught the attention of NASCAR veteran Dale Earnhardt Jr., who publicly questioned the decision to part ways with Sanchez given his strong performance.
AM Racing Welcomes Sanchez to Their Lineup
AM Racing officially announced Sanchez’s addition on social media, expressing enthusiasm about his potential impact within the team. The statement declared,
“AM Racing is excited to announce the signing of rising phenom Nick Sanchez as the driver of the team’s No. 25 Ford Mustang Dark Horse in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series,”
highlighting confidence in his capabilities.
Echoing the team’s excitement, Sanchez himself shared his readiness for the new challenge, posting on X:
“Excited for this new chapter with @AMRacingNASCAR & @FordRacing. Ready for this opportunity and focused on the season ahead!”
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Reacts to Sanchez’s Release from Big Machine Racing
Months following the announcement of Sanchez’s release, NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. spoke openly about his confusion surrounding Big Machine Racing’s decision. On the Dale Jr. Download show, he remarked on the surprising nature and timing of the departure, stating,
“It’s a surprise for one because he ran really well last year, and the other surprise is the timing,”
continuing,
“It’s late. It’s a tough part of the year to find out that you don’t have a job for next season.”
Earnhardt also speculated about possible hidden factors, saying,
“These are the funny things about these deals is we do not know that Nick Sanchez doesn’t have something else going on, and that he’s out at Big Machine because he’s got this other opportunity. We don’t … I don’t want to look like a fool sitting here going, ‘Man, what a surprise. What a shock. What’s Nick Sanchez going to do?’ Hell, he might already know.”
Earnhardt Highlights Sanchez’s Talent and Competitive Edge
The 51-year-old former driver praised Sanchez’s driving skills and racing demeanor, describing him as decent and acknowledging that he “got some talent.” He added with a candid tone,
“The other thing too I like is that he pisses some people off, right?”
Earnhardt admitted,
“I mean, I don’t love that cause sometimes he pisses me off or he pisses one of my guys off…But as a fan or as a broadcaster and as somebody who’s like wanting to fall in love with the sport. We need guys like that.”
Sanchez’s Response to Leaving Big Machine Racing
Following his release, Sanchez expressed gratitude toward Big Machine Racing for the opportunities he had while maintaining a positive outlook on his career. His statement read,
“I am proud of all we have accomplish this year including out win. Unfortunate timing and circumstances, but it’s strictly business. When one door closes another one opens. Excited about what is ahead!”
Upcoming Season and Expectations for Sanchez with AM Racing
The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series will commence with the United Rentals 300 on February 14. With the season about to begin, Nick Sanchez’s move to AM Racing places him back in the spotlight as he prepares to compete with a new team eager to build on his potential. This transition could have a significant influence on Sanchez’s career trajectory and on AM Racing’s performance within the series.
New Year ➡️ New Driver! Welcome @Nicksanchez080 pic.twitter.com/Ty5mdYQyUO
— AM Racing (@AMRacingNASCAR) February 9, 2026
Excited for this new chapter with @AMRacingNASCAR & @FordRacing . Ready for this opportunity and focused on the season ahead! pic.twitter.com/bR9UxGTZ2d
— Nicholas Sanchez (@Nicksanchez080) February 9, 2026
