Inside AM Racing’s Sudden O’Reilly 2026 Shakeup

After most fans thought AM Racing had been sold to the ARCA team, Sigma Performance Services, it turns out that the No. 25 may make its way to Daytona after all. As they’ve come back and said the deal wasn’t finalized. Making the already messy Ford O’Reilly situation even more chaotic. Now, nobody knows who Ford’s second O’Reilly team even is or if there will be one.

AM Racing Resurfaces in NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series

Just weeks before the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season kicks off at Daytona, one of the series’ most resilient organizations pulled off a last-minute return. AM Racing, which had been expected to exit the sport following an ownership transition, has announced it will continue independently in the O’Reilly Series after its planned sale fell through.

In late 2025, AM Racing and Sigma Performance Services, a talented ARCA Menards Series organization, appeared poised to unite under new ownership, combining resources and talent for the upcoming season. That acquisition was initially announced with fanfare and even led to rebranded pit equipment and social media assets under the new SPS Racing banner.

The Flipped Calendar And A Crucial Decision

But as the calendar flipped to 2026, the deal unraveled. In a statement posted by AM Racing on social media, the team clarified that while “an acquisition of AM Racing was announced” in November 2025, the transaction “was ultimately not finalized.” Instead of dissolving or merging, the team confirmed it will field its own entries in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series as an independent operation.

That announcement comes amid a backdrop of change for the organization. In 2025, AM Racing ran the No. 25 Ford Mustang Dark Horse with Harrison Burton behind the wheel, helping the team make its first series playoff appearance thanks to top-five and top-10 finishes. Burton, however, will not return for the 2026 season, leaving AM Racing to line up a new driver or drivers as it approaches the season opener on February 14 at Daytona International Speedway.

The team’s decision to stay in the O’Reilly Series is significant given the turbulence it has faced. Many teams in NASCAR’s second tier have grappled with financial pressures and changing sponsorship landscapes under the newly rebranded O’Reilly banner. Amid that environment, AM Racing’s ability to reset and compete on its own terms reflects both determination and a belief that it can still carve out success in 2026.

What’s Next

For now, fans will be watching two closely related storylines as Speedweeks approach: who will pilot the AM Racing entries, and how this independent return will stack up against the ever-competitive field in NASCAR’s second tier. The answer to both will start to become clearer once practice and qualifying begin in Daytona’s high-stakes February test. Thanks a bunch!