Sheldon Creed ended a grueling wait for his first NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series win on February 21 at EchoPark Speedway, claiming victory in his 138th series start after four years marked by close calls and 15 runner-up finishes. The dramatic last-lap pass that clinched the win was a pivotal moment for Creed, who had been searching for a breakthrough in the highly competitive series.
This achievement represents Creed’s first triumph in NASCAR’s top-three divisions since his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series victory at Darlington Raceway in September 2021. Following this success, Creed ranks third in the 2026 O’Reilly Series standings as he aims to secure a spot in the 12-driver Chase and contend for his maiden series championship.
Reflecting on the Emotional Victory and Celebration
A week after his milestone win, Creed spoke with Frontstretch at Circuit of the Americas, sharing his emotions during and after the race along with how the victory has influenced his mindset moving forward. Reflecting on the chaotic finish, Creed recounted the moment when leaders Austin Hill and Ross Chastain collided in turn 3 of the final lap, opening the door for his surge into first place.
“I mean, at first, I didn’t probably believe it, that the seas parted for me like they did. And then my next worry was how close were they behind me. I didn’t know that the No. 99 (Parker Retzlaff) was as close as he was, and then off of (turn) 4, kind of seeing that nobody had a run, I just started screaming on the radio. Just a lot of joy and excitement.”
– Sheldon Creed, driver
The post-race celebration carried on well beyond the track. Creed described enjoying the media attention and sharing drinks with friends and team members at his home, where 15 to 20 people gathered in a festive atmosphere that extended well into the weekend.
“It was cool to do all the media stuff. It’s been a while, right? So to experience it after winning is awesome. And then I had a few beers at the track, and then I got home and my wife already had like — there’s probably 15 to 20 people at my house and a lot of my guys came and drank a bunch of beers on Saturday night and then fired it back up again Sunday. I was definitely feeling it on Monday when it was time to go back to work.”
– Sheldon Creed, driver
Unexpected Win at Atlanta: A Track Growing on Creed
Creed shared how he had imagined many scenarios before achieving his first O’Reilly Series win but was uncertain how the moment would unfold—whether in a clean finish or amidst on-track chaos. He expressed his relief that the victory came early in the season, especially at a track that grew on him after a rocky start.
“I didn’t know, honestly. I’ve been close so many times in so many different scenarios. Lost them a lot of different ways, so yeah, people were like asking like, ‘oh, where do you want to win? Where do you think you’ll be?’ And I just got to the point where I was like, I don’t care where it is or when it is. I just want it to be like that next week, just keep having opportunities. And to have it so early in the season and at a place that I didn’t love (Atlanta) — it’s grown on me a lot in the last couple of years just because handling is starting to become a thing again there.”
– Sheldon Creed, driver
Creed compared Atlanta’s challenges to those of Talladega and Daytona, hoping future changes to cars will increase the role of handling on these famed tracks, making races both more strategic and entertaining.
The Impact of Fan Support and Rivalries
Victory lane celebrations included congratulations from long-time rival Austin Hill, which Creed appreciated personally and professionally. He noted the surprising and enthusiastic fan reaction that marked his first win in the series.
“Yeah, I feel like a lot of people were kind of on the ride with me, at least people that didn’t not like me or like me. To see everyone stick around and to hear them going crazy was awesome, and having Austin come to victory lane — obviously we had our run-ins but we we’re still really good friends away from the track.”
– Sheldon Creed, driver
Another memorable moment involved Creed’s teammate Sam Mayer, who congratulated him but then accidentally damaged his own car’s splitter while driving slowly through grass. Creed found humor in the incident despite Mayer’s mistake.
“Obviously when I had first seen it, I laughed. And I mean, I guess it’s his fault, right, because he drove through the grass, but that’s not what his intentions were. When you’re going that slow, you don’t really think about the front digging in like it did. So yeah, just a dumb mistake that’s really not; he didn’t know it was going to do that, so just kind of innocent. But yeah, it’s still funny.”
– Sheldon Creed, driver
Partnership with Teammate Sam Mayer and Team Dynamics
Creed elaborated on his working relationship with Sam Mayer, emphasizing their personal differences but strong professional connection. Mayer’s youth and lifestyle contrast with Creed’s family-oriented life, yet they collaborate closely on race weekends, sharing insights on cars and strategy.
“Sam’s been great. Obviously, we’re very different. I’m like five years older than him and married with kids and he’s not, so very different in our lives. But we get along really well. We go eat on race weekends a lot together and just talk about our cars and strategy and how we can help each other. And he’s obviously super talented, so yeah, he helps me a lot, and I feel like, hopefully, some of my info helps him. And yeah, we get along really good.”
– Sheldon Creed, driver
First Win Raises Hopes and Confidence for Upcoming Season
While Creed had carried significant pressure to finally win, he said the breakthrough has lightened his mental load and revitalized his confidence. The victory has not only boosted his own morale but also elevated the team’s belief in their potential for a strong championship pursuit.
“Yeah, I feel 20 pounds lighter on my feet now. I was putting a lot of pressure on myself to win, and I just felt pressure from everyone. So yeah, to finally win is awesome. To do it early on in the season, hopefully it just opens the gates up for us, and now I can believe in myself again, that I can win. And my team I feel like believed it the whole time, but now I feel like we’re all elevated and just more confident going every week. Hopefully we can just put together a lot of good races this year.”
– Sheldon Creed, driver
Despite an action-packed week after the win, Creed described his preparation for the following race as busy yet positively energized, aided by his collaboration with crew chief Josh Wise and their Chevrolet program.
“I don’t know if it was more relaxing because it was kind of a busy week in a good way. Being able to work with Josh Wise again now that we’re back with Chevrolet has been awesome. He’s just a great help, and to be able to see things that he sees and talk through things with him and our group that all works together, just a lot of good stuff comes from him.”
– Sheldon Creed, driver
Looking Ahead: Potential Career Moves and Championship Aspirations
Creed is currently signed to a multi-year deal with the Haas Factory Team starting in 2025 and confirmed plans to continue with the team into 2026. While it is early to talk about 2027, he expressed a strong preference to remain with the group should he stay in the O’Reilly Series. However, moving up to the NASCAR Cup Series remains a goal, contingent on achieving multiple wins and consistent performance this year.
“Yeah, pretty early, but there is definitely that opportunity to come back. If I’m going to be (O’Reilly) racing again, 100% I want to be here with this group. If I have the opportunity to go Cup racing — I don’t know, I think I need to win a few more times this year for that to be an option. But yeah, if I’m going to be (O’Reilly) racing again, I want to be here.”
– Sheldon Creed, driver
Creed acknowledged that his prospect of advancing to Cup racing had dimmed due to the long period without wins but sees his breakthrough as reopening doors for higher opportunities.
“I felt like my door was kind of shutting after obviously winning in Trucks and being good and then not winning for four years. That door was probably shut, and maybe I have it cracked back open now and may be at the bottom of the list, and just to be on the list is cool. Like I said, just need to win some more races this year and be consistent and have a shot at the championship, and yeah, we’ll see.”
– Sheldon Creed, driver
The Significance of Creed’s Victory for NASCAR and His Career
Sheldon Creed’s hard-fought first O’Reilly win serves as a pivotal moment in his racing journey, breaking a frustrating pattern of near-misses. The win not only lifts Creed’s standing in the points but also reenergizes his team, increasing confidence heading deeper into the 2026 season. His renewed momentum could influence NASCAR team owners’ interest in him for the Cup Series, potentially reshaping his career trajectory.
As Creed continues to build on this momentum, the upcoming races will be critical in solidifying his place among the series’ elite and possibly securing his first championship. For fans and competitors alike, Creed’s breakthrough echoes the unpredictable and thrilling nature of NASCAR racing, where persistence and seizing unexpected opportunities often define success.
