NASCAR team confirms expansion as O’Reilly set to replace Xfinity in 2026

With three months left in NASCAR’s 2026 season, Young's Motorsports has officially announced its plans to expand into a two-entry O’Reilly Auto Parts Series team, marking a significant step for the growing organization. Meanwhile, NASCAR’s second-tier series transitions from Xfinity to its new title sponsor, O’Reilly Auto Parts, from next season.

The team owned by Randy Young and Tyler Young on Monday (November 10) confirmed that Ryan Ellis will drive the #02 Chevrolet full-time, starting with the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway on February 14.

While the team's #42 entry remains TBD. According to renowned NASCAR journalist Bob Pockrass, Anthony Alfredo could make a return to the team pending final details. Alfredo raced in the #42 car in 2025. The move marks Young’s Motorsports’ strongest commitment in the series.

Young’s Motorsports plans remain undecided for the 2026 Truck Series. The organization has fielded trucks on a part-time basis in the series for several seasons, including this season.

Team principal Tyler Young is excited to have Ryan Ellis behind the wheel of one of their race cars in the 2025 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season.

In a team release, Tyler said:

“We’re thrilled to welcome Ryan to Young’s Motorsports. He brings a wealth of experience, professionalism, and determination that aligns perfectly with the direction we’re taking as a team. Ryan is exactly the kind of driver we want representing our organization, someone who’s respected, understands the grind it takes to compete at this level, and consistently gets the most out of his equipment.”

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Ryan Ellis is excited to have a new home in 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season

In 2025, Ryan Ellis competed full-time with DGM Racing, where he scored a career-best 10th-place finish at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Now, he has a new home for 2026 and signed a full-time deal with Young’s Motorsports. The upcoming season will mark his third consecutive full-time season in the series.

Ellis is excited to start his new chapter of his career with such a hard-working team that continues to grow NASCAR’s second-tier series.

In a team release, Ellis said:

“I’m really excited about the opportunity to join Young’s Motorsports beginning with the 2026 season. It’s a team that’s continuing to grow and build its identity in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and I feel like I can be a big part of that process. I’ve always believed that the people you surround yourself with make the biggest difference, and I’m confident this group has the drive and passion to make big strides together.”

Tablo TV will serve as an 11-race primary sponsor for the 35-year-old California native in 2026. In addition to Tablo, Sweetwater Construction, Demco Products, Four Loko, Eclipse Claims, and ROSCH will be other sponsors that will adorn the #2 Young’s Motorsports car next season.

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Edited by Yash Soni