Sunday, 25 January 2026

Hettinger Racing to compete full-time in NASCAR O’Reilly Series in 2026; partner with Ford Racing and Roush Yates Engines Featured

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Posted On Sunday, 25 January 2026 16:35 Written by
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Ford's presence in NASCAR's O'Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2026 will be bolstered by a new entry, with the announcement that Hettinger Racing will compete full-time in the series in 2026. Chris Hettinger is the owner and will field the No. 5 Ford Mustang Dark Horse and receive technical support from Ford Racing. Roush Yates Engines will serve as the team’s engine supplier. Ford's presence in NASCAR's O'Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2026 will be bolstered by a new entry, with the announcement that Hettinger Racing will compete full-time in the series in 2026. Chris Hettinger is the owner and will field the No. 5 Ford Mustang Dark Horse and receive technical support from Ford Racing. Roush Yates Engines will serve as the team’s engine supplier. Photo courtesy of Hettinger Racing

Ford's presence in NASCAR's O'Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2026 will be bolstered by a new entry, with the announcement that Hettinger Racing will compete full-time in the series in 2026. 

Second-generation racer Chris Hettinger is the owner and will field the No. 5 Ford Mustang Dark Horse and receive technical support from Ford Racing. Roush Yates Engines will serve as the team’s engine supplier. 

Driver and partnership plans for 2026 will be announced ahead of the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series open test — set for Jan. 27-28 at Rockingham.

“This is about putting our race team in the right place at the right time,” Hettinger said. “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. 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.”

Hettinger raced in Late Models and open-wheel Midgets before becoming a team owner. The native of Dryden, Michigan, has been a fixture in Late Models, fielding multiple entries on the zMAX CARS Tour for up-and-coming racers.

Hettinger understands the jump to the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series is a significant one, but his exacting level of preparation has Hettinger Racing well-positioned for the move.

“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,” said Doug Yates, president and CEO, Roush Yates Engines. “Chris is a racer and a very good businessman who is taking a smart and methodical approach to 2026. All of us at Roush Yates Engines are committed to him and his vision for Hettinger Racing.”

Long before Hettinger began acquiring chassis to build his fleet of Ford Mustangs, he acquired the owner points from the No. 70 team of Cope Family Racing. This gives Hettinger Racing a guaranteed starting spot in the season-opening United Rentals 300 on Feb. 14 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway.

Hettinger also secured the services of veteran crew chief Joe Williams Jr., who will oversee all competition aspects. Williams came to Hettinger Racing from Alpha Prime Racing, where he helped driver Parker Retzlaff to a career-best second-place finish in the April 19 North Carolina Education Lottery 250 at Rockingham Speedway.

“We’re entering the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series with a solid foundation, strong technical partners and a clear understanding of what it takes to be competitive,” Hettinger said.

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Matt M. Myftiu

Matt Myftiu has been a journalist for two decades with a focus on technology, NASCAR and autos.

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