Hettinger Racing will enter the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series full-time in 2026, marking the team’s first complete season at NASCAR’s national second-tier level. The Mooresville, North Carolina-based organization confirmed the move on December 23, 2025. Team owner Chris Hettinger said the timing aligned with the series’ growth and expanded national exposure.
The team will field the No. 5 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, supported by Ford Performance, with engines supplied by Roush Yates Engines. Hettinger Racing secured owner points from Cope Family Racing’s No. 70 entry, guaranteeing a starting position in the season opener at Daytona International Speedway on February 14, 2026. Driver and sponsorship announcements will come at a later date.
Hettinger Racing locks in a full-season NASCAR entry
The 2026 campaign represents a major step forward for Hettinger Racing, which has competed primarily in late model racing, the zMAX CARS Tour, the ARCA Menards Series, and select NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series events. Moving to a full-season national schedule required long-term planning and stability.
“This is about putting our race team in the right place at the right time, Hettinger said in a team release.” “The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series has incredible momentum. It features great racing, and the series gets significant exposure thanks to coverage from The CW.”
Hettinger stated that the new platform played a significant role in the decision. “Combining that platform with the support of Ford Racing and Roush Yates Engines gives us the opportunity to grow our program into one that competes at a national level, he said.”
All races in 2026 will air live on The CW Network, with practice and qualifying streaming on the CW App. The season will be the first under the O’Reilly Auto Parts title sponsorship, following the end of Xfinity’s 11-year run as series sponsor.
Ford’s partnership and leadership structure take shape
Hettinger Racing’s alliance with Ford strengthens the manufacturer’s presence in the series after several teams moved to Chevrolet ahead of 2026. The No. 5 team will run Ford Mustang Dark Horse bodies paired with Roush Yates Engines.
Doug Yates, president and CEO of Roush Yates Engines, praised the approach Hettinger has taken. “I’ve been impressed by what Chris Hettinger has already built, and Roush Yates Engines is proud to be a part of Hettinger Racing’s future growth, Doug said.”
“Chris is a racer and a very good businessman who is taking a smart and methodical approach to 2026, Yates added.” “All of us at Roush Yates Engines are committed to him and his vision for Hettinger Racing.”
Veteran crew chief Joe Williams Jr. will lead the No. 5 program. Williams previously worked with Alpha Prime Racing and served as crew chief for Cole Custer during the 2022 season.
Team goals and early preparation for 2026
Hettinger said Williams’ experience will play a key role as the team builds through its first full season. “[Williams] brings a ton of experience, a ton of knowledge, and we’re looking forward to how he can grow this program going forward, Hettinger said.”
“Our goal for this year is to continue to build our program as the year goes on, finish races, run all the laps, and be prepared for every race that we go to and put ourselves in position to win, he added.”
Hettinger Racing has already made progress ahead of schedule. “I actually feel really, really good about our program right now, Hettinger said.” “Joe Williams and our guys have worked really, really hard. We basically have cars ready for the first four events. We feel like we’re way ahead of the game right now.”
The team plans to participate in the open preseason test at Rockingham Speedway in late January. Additional announcements are expected in the weeks leading up to the Daytona opener.
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