Hettinger Racing Overview
Hettinger Racing is an American professional stock car racing team competing primarily in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and the CARS Tour. Established in 2024, the team emerged from the former Bret Holmes Racing organization and has participated in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and ARCA Menards Series. Owned by Katie Hettinger and Chris Hettinger, the team fields the No. 5 Ford Mustang full-time in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, with expansions including the No. 4 and No. 71 Chevrolet cars in ARCA events.
Founding and Organizational Origins
Hettinger Racing was founded in 2024 following the closure of Bret Holmes Racing, a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series team. The new team was established by Katie and Chris Hettinger, who acquired owner points from Bret Holmes Racing’s No. 32 truck to form their own operation. The initial goal was to build a competitive stock car racing team that could grow within American motorsports, leveraging the experience and infrastructure left by the predecessor team.
The early organizational structure focused on assembling a skilled crew and securing key partnerships, including sponsorship from Rackley Roofing. The team quickly set up operations to compete in multiple series, aiming to establish a strong presence in the NASCAR developmental ladder and regional stock car racing circuits.
Growth Into NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Competition
Hettinger Racing made its debut in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2024, fielding the No. 4 truck with Brett Moffitt driving for the final two races of the season. This initial entry allowed the team to gain valuable experience at the national level. In 2025, the team expanded its efforts by entering the ARCA Menards Series and ARCA Menards Series East, fielding the No. 71 Chevrolet driven by Dawson Sutton at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Building on these efforts, Hettinger Racing announced plans to field the No. 5 Ford Mustang full-time in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series starting in the 2026 season. The team also diversified its driver lineup and technical staff, including naming Joe Williams, Jr. as crew chief for the No. 5 car. These moves reflect the team’s commitment to growth and competitive development within NASCAR’s national and regional series.
Hettinger Racing Competitive Journey
Since its inception in 2024, Hettinger Racing has steadily progressed through various stock car racing series. Beginning with the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, the team quickly expanded into ARCA Menards Series competition and is now establishing a full-time presence in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. This progression illustrates the team’s strategic approach to gaining experience and building competitiveness across multiple levels of American stock car racing.
Early Seasons and Development (2024–2025)
In its inaugural season, Hettinger Racing competed in three NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races, utilizing the No. 4 truck with Brett Moffitt and later Mason Maggio as drivers. The team also entered ARCA Menards Series events, debuting the No. 71 Chevrolet with Dawson Sutton as driver. Despite challenges such as Sutton’s crash at Bristol Motor Speedway, these early races provided essential operational experience and exposure.
The team secured Rackley Roofing as its main sponsor, supporting its efforts across series. Initial results focused on building consistency and learning the demands of national competition. The announcement of a full-time No. 5 Ford Mustang entry in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series for 2026 marked a significant step in the team’s development and ambition.
Breakthrough in NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (2026 and Beyond)
Hettinger Racing’s planned full-time entry in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series with the No. 5 Ford Mustang represents a key turning point. The hiring of Joe Williams, Jr. as crew chief signals a focus on technical expertise and competitive strategy. This expansion aims to establish the team as a consistent contender in the series, leveraging manufacturer support from Ford and strategic partnerships.
Alongside the primary O’Reilly Auto Parts Series effort, the team continues to field entries in ARCA Menards Series events with the No. 4 and No. 71 cars, providing opportunities for driver development and technical refinement. This multi-series approach is designed to build a strong foundation for sustained success.
Modern Program and Current Direction (2025–Present)
Currently, Hettinger Racing operates under the ownership of Katie and Chris Hettinger, with a focus on expanding its competitive footprint. The team maintains a manufacturer relationship with Ford for its O’Reilly Auto Parts Series entries, while fielding Chevrolet cars in ARCA events. The shop infrastructure and technical staff continue to develop, with an emphasis on recruiting emerging drivers and experienced crew members.
Looking ahead, Hettinger Racing aims to solidify its status within NASCAR’s national series, targeting competitive results and championship contention. The team’s strategic partnerships, including sponsorship from Rackley Roofing, support these goals by providing financial stability and brand alignment.
Philosophy and Competitive Strengths
Hettinger Racing emphasizes a balanced approach combining technical development, driver growth, and strategic race execution. The team focuses on consistency and adaptability across diverse track types, aiming to leverage manufacturer support and experienced leadership to build competitive momentum.
Key Milestones and Major Moments
Key milestones for Hettinger Racing include its formation from Bret Holmes Racing in 2024, its debut in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, and its expansion into ARCA Menards Series competition. The announcement of a full-time No. 5 Ford Mustang entry in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series for 2026 marks a significant organizational achievement and a major step toward long-term competitive goals.
Hettinger Racing Achievements and Results
As a newly established team, Hettinger Racing is in the early stages of its competitive journey and has yet to secure race victories or championships. The team has competed in six races across NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, ARCA Menards Series, and ARCA Menards Series East events, gaining valuable experience and laying the groundwork for future success.
NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Achievements
Hettinger Racing has not yet recorded wins or pole positions in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. The team’s full-time participation is set to begin in the 2026 season, with expectations to build competitive results as the program matures.
Conference Achievements
There are no conference-level championships or titles recorded for Hettinger Racing at this time, reflecting the team’s recent establishment and ongoing development.
Divisional Achievements
The team has not yet achieved divisional titles or major wins, focusing instead on gaining experience and building its competitive infrastructure.
Series Achievements
Hettinger Racing has competed in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and ARCA Menards Series but has yet to secure victories or championships. The team’s strategic expansion into multiple series aims to foster driver development and competitive growth in the coming years.
