Nick Sanchez Signs Full-Season O'Reilly Deal with AM Racing

The 24-year-old driver will pilot the No. 25 Ford Mustang Dark Horse in NASCAR's second-tier division.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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After announcing the resurrection of its NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series program, AM Racing has signed rising driver Nick Sanchez to pilot the No. 25 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for the full 2026 season. Sanchez, a native of Miami, Florida, was previously released from his seat at Big Machine Racing following a solid rookie campaign that included a race win.

Why it matters

This move marks a fresh start for both Sanchez and AM Racing, which had its NASCAR operations acquired by Sigma Performance Services before re-emerging as an independent team. Sanchez's signing brings a talented young driver to AM Racing as it looks to build on its strongest season yet in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series.

The details

Sanchez, 24, takes over the No. 25 Ford Mustang Dark Horse from Harrison Burton, who led AM Racing to the playoffs last season. After being released from Big Machine Racing, Sanchez now has the opportunity to showcase his skills with a team looking to reestablish itself in the series.

  • AM Racing announced the resurrection of its NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series program 10 days ago.
  • Sanchez signed with AM Racing on February 9, 2026.

The players

Nick Sanchez

A 24-year-old driver from Miami, Florida who previously competed in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series for Big Machine Racing.

AM Racing

A NASCAR team that is resurrecting its O'Reilly Auto Parts Series program after its operations were briefly acquired by Sigma Performance Services.

Harrison Burton

The previous driver of the No. 25 Ford Mustang Dark Horse at AM Racing, who led the team to the playoffs last season.

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What they’re saying

“Excited for this new chapter with AM Racing and Ford Racing. Ready for this opportunity and focused on the season ahead!”

— Nicholas Sanchez (Twitter)

What’s next

Details regarding sponsorship and personnel for the AM Racing NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series program will be confirmed at a later date.

The takeaway

This signing represents a fresh start for both Sanchez and AM Racing as they look to build on their past successes in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series. Sanchez's talent and AM Racing's renewed commitment to the series could make them a formidable combination in the 2026 season.