Fan Favorite NASCAR Driver Scores New Ride For 2026 Season

What’s Happening?

Fan favorite NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series driver Nick Sanchez is returning to part-time action, taking over Peterson Racing’s No. 87 for a handful of races throughout this season.

• Per Peterson Racing, Sanchez will drive their No. 87 on a “limited schedule” for the rest of the season. His first race will be on June 13 at Pocono Raceway, followed by three starts at Chicagoland, EchoPark Speedway, and Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
• Sanchez started the 2026 season with AM Racing in their No. 25 Ford. But after seven races, the team withdrew after Rockingham, with reports surfacing that it had ceased operations, leaving Sanchez without a ride.
• Peterson made their full-time NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series debut this season with second-generation driver Austin Green. While Green is an ace on road courses, he currently sits 24th in points with a 24.5 average finish and a best finish of 9th at Watkins Glen.
• Sanchez abruptly found himself out of a ride this past off-season after Big Machine Racing brought on Patrick Staropoli to pilot their No. 48. Last year, in the No. 48, Sanchez made the playoffs and scored the team’s second-ever win.

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