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Kaulig Racing Won't Compete in O'Reilly Series in 2026

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, October 28th 2025 at 19:32 GMT by Frontstretch
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Kaulig Racing Declines to Field a Team in the 2026 O’Reilly Series

On a late‑afternoon announcement that sent shockwaves through the NASCAR community, Kaulig Racing confirmed that it will not field a team in the newly announced O’Reilly Series for the 2026 season. The decision marks a strategic pivot for the Atlanta‑based outfit, which has rapidly ascended from a modest Xfinity presence to a formidable Cup Series contender in just a few years.

The O’Reilly Series: A Brief Overview

The O’Reilly Series, officially named the “O’Reilly Auto Parts NASCAR Series,” was unveiled in late 2024 as NASCAR’s next‑gen developmental platform. The series, slated to debut in 2025, aims to blend short‑track, road course, and regional racing elements to cultivate the next wave of talent. The partnership with O’Reilly Auto Parts was meant to inject fresh sponsorship dollars and a more youth‑focused marketing approach.

“By aligning with O’Reilly Auto Parts, NASCAR is creating a more vibrant, engaging platform for drivers and fans alike,” said NASCAR’s Senior Director of Marketing, Maria Sanchez, during the series’ launch event. “The O’Reilly Series will serve as a bridge between grassroots racing and the national spotlight.”

The series will feature 25 races spread across 12 venues, including a mix of traditional short tracks, street circuits, and a handful of “endurance” events. It is also slated to have a unique points system, awarding bonus points for stage wins, qualifying positions, and fan engagement metrics.

Kaulig’s Decision and Its Rationale

In a statement released via the team’s website, Kaulig Racing’s CEO, Steve Kaulig, explained that the decision was driven by a “commitment to long‑term growth and resource optimization.” He added that the organization’s current focus will remain on its Cup Series team, its high‑profile Xfinity program, and its strategic partnership with the X-Team and the Ford Performance Engine Development program.

“We’ve poured our energy and capital into building a world‑class Cup operation, and our Xfinity team has already shown great promise,” Kaulig said. “The O’Reilly Series represents a new frontier, but it also demands substantial investment in terms of staff, logistics, and equipment. We’ve determined that concentrating our resources where we can make the biggest impact is the best path forward.”

While the statement emphasized financial considerations, several industry insiders noted that Kaulig may also be looking to avoid diluting brand presence. Kaulig Racing’s on‑track identity is closely tied to its driver lineup—most notably, the high‑flying Xfinity star Ross Chastain and Cup Series driver Jimmie Johnson—whose fan bases have helped the team attract lucrative sponsorships. By abstaining from the O’Reilly Series, Kaulig can keep its brand association tight and focused.

Reactions from Drivers and Teams

The news was met with a mixture of surprise and understanding from the racing community. Ross Chastain, who has been a front‑running driver in Kaulig’s Xfinity program, shared his perspective on Twitter: “We’re proud to have Kaulig Racing support us all the way, and we’ll keep pushing for more Xfinity wins and a full‑season Cup run next year. Thanks to the team for the trust and support.”

Jimmie Johnson, a veteran of the Cup Series, added, “Kaulig has always been about ambition and excellence. I trust their decision, and I’m looking forward to the next chapter in our partnership.”

Several other teams saw the announcement as a potential opening for future alliances. The X-Team, which has been closely affiliated with Kaulig’s development pipeline, hinted at exploring additional collaborative ventures in 2026, especially on the Cup front.

Impact on the O’Reilly Series

Kaulig Racing was one of the early adopters of the O’Reilly Series concept, having submitted a provisional entry list during the initial 2025 season. Their withdrawal may affect the competitive balance and sponsorship dynamics of the series. O’Reilly Auto Parts’ marketing team, however, expressed confidence that the series would continue to attract top-tier talent from other developmental programs.

“We’ve been working with a broad spectrum of teams and drivers, and Kaulig’s exit will only serve to streamline the field,” said O’Reilly Series Director of Operations, Tom Reynolds. “The goal remains to provide a platform that is exciting, competitive, and growth‑oriented.”

Looking Forward: Kaulig’s Future Plans

Despite stepping away from the O’Reilly Series, Kaulig Racing is poised to continue its momentum across existing disciplines. Their Cup Series team has already been recognized for its engineering innovations, especially the “Kaulig Tech” package that optimizes aerodynamics for short‑track racing. The Xfinity program continues to secure notable victories and is rumored to be preparing for a full‑season entry with a new sponsorship package.

Additionally, Kaulig has indicated interest in expanding its involvement in grassroots racing by sponsoring a national “Kaulig Racing Driver Development” initiative. This program would provide scholarships, mentorship, and track access for promising young drivers across the United States.

Conclusion

Kaulig Racing’s decision to forego participation in the O’Reilly Series for the 2026 season underscores a broader strategic shift toward consolidating resources in its most successful and high‑visibility arenas. While the move may leave a void in the O’Reilly Series’ inaugural lineup, the team’s focus on Cup and Xfinity success promises continued innovation, high‑profile performances, and an enduring presence in NASCAR’s upper echelons.

For fans and followers, the announcement serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of motorsport, where team strategies evolve to match financial realities, competitive ambitions, and brand narratives. As Kaulig Racing presses forward on its chosen paths, the NASCAR landscape will undoubtedly adapt, opening doors for other emerging teams to step into the newly defined developmental sphere.