Nick Sanchez, who faced uncertainty after his unexpected departure from Big Machine Racing last December, has secured a spot for the 2026 NASCAR season. AM Racing announced on February 9 that Sanchez will be the full-time driver of their No. 25 Ford Mustang Dark Horse in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
AM Racing’s Official Announcement and Team Outlook
In their statement, AM Racing expressed enthusiasm about signing Sanchez, describing him as a rising star. This move aligns the team with a driver who not only made the 2025 playoffs but also mirrors the previous success of the No. 25 car, driven by Harrison Burton last year, who also reached the playoff field.
Resolving Uncertainty Over AM Racing’s Future in the Series
Earlier, it appeared that both Sanchez and AM Racing might not compete in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2026. In November, AM Racing revealed that Sigma Performance Systems from the ARCA Menards Series had planned to acquire their NASCAR program. However, the deal was ultimately not finalized, leading AM Racing to return to the series for the upcoming season.
Sanchez’s New Opportunity After Big Machine Racing Departure
Sanchez, previously regarded as a promising Chevrolet prospect, was released when Big Machine Racing chose Patrick Staropoli as their full-time driver of the No. 48 Chevrolet for 2026. His signing with AM Racing offers a chance for both the driver and team to bounce back after a challenging offseason.
AM Racing’s Strategy for the 2026 Season and Additional Driver Announcement
The signing of Sanchez marks a fresh start for AM Racing’s No. 25 car with hopes of returning to the competitive NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Playoffs, which will adopt the Chase format this season. Alongside Sanchez’s full-time role, Daniel Dye, who drives Kaulig Racing’s No. 10 Ram Truck full-time, will take on part-time duties in AM Racing’s No. 52 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, beginning at the Daytona International Speedway season opener.
Team’s Dual Driver Reveal Signals Ambitious Plans
New Year ?? New Driver! Welcome @Nicksanchez080 pic.twitter.com/Ty5mdYQyUO
— AM Racing (@AMRacingNASCAR) February 9, 2026
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,
Why stop with one announcement? Welcome @danieldye43!@NASCAR | @NASCAROReillyAP | @TheCW_Sports pic.twitter.com/QbTslZfNJu
— AM Racing (@AMRacingNASCAR) February 9, 2026
What Lies Ahead for Sanchez and AM Racing in 2026
As the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season approaches, the partnership between AM Racing and Nick Sanchez represents resilience and determination after a tumultuous offseason. Both will aim to secure a playoff spot and capitalize on the new Chase format, making their progress a key storyline to follow. The inclusion of Daniel Dye part-time adds further depth to the team’s competitive aspirations at major events like Daytona.
New Year ➡️ New Driver! Welcome @Nicksanchez080 pic.twitter.com/Ty5mdYQyUO
— AM Racing (@AMRacingNASCAR) February 9, 2026
Why stop with one announcement? Welcome @danieldye43!@NASCAR | @NASCAROReillyAP | @TheCW_Sports pic.twitter.com/QbTslZfNJu
— AM Racing (@AMRacingNASCAR) February 9, 2026
