Hettinger began his racing career behind the wheel, winning in Late Models and open-wheel Midgets before becoming a fulltime team owner. The Dryden, Michigan, native has been a fixture in Late Models, fielding multiple entries on the zMAX CARS Tour for up-and-coming racers. He 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 (N.C.) 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.
Driver and partnership plans for 2026 will be announced ahead of the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series open test Jan. 27-28 at Rockingham.
