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.