This post was originally published on this site.
Nick Sanchez has shared a major shake-up in his racing career after revealing that he will not return to Big Machine Racing for the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season. The announcement marked the end of a short but impactful tenure with the Big Machine team and left Sanchez without a ride next season.
The 24-year-old driver from Miami, Florida, released the statement on his official X account, stating that he was informed over the weekend that he would “not be driving the No. 48 for Big Machine Racing” next season. In the statement, he made clear that the split was not driven by performance but by circumstances beyond the track.
Thanks for the submission!
In his statement, Sanchez said:
“Over the weekend, I was informed that I will not be driving the No.48 for Big Machine Racing in 2026. I’m grateful to Scott Borchetta, Patrick Donahue, everyone at Chevrolet and the whole team. I am proud of all we have accomplished this year including our win. Unfortunate timing and circumstances, but it’s strictly business. When one door closes another one opens. Excited about what is ahead!”
The 2025 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season (previously known as the Xfinity Series) proved to be a breakthrough campaign for Nick Sanchez with Big Machine Racing, highlighted by a race win and multiple top-five finishes that showcased his growth and ability to compete in the series.
After spending two seasons in the NASCAR Truck Series, Sanchez jumped into the second-tier series with the Big Racing team in 2025, taking over the reins from veteran Parker Kligerman.
“Must be a money issue”: Fans reacts after Nick Sanchez’s departure from Big Machine Racing ahead of next season
In his first rookie O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season with Big Machine Racing, Nick Sanchez secured his maiden series win at Atlanta Motor Speedway, which locked him into the playoffs. Besides the win, he scored seven top-five and 12 top-10 finishes with an average finish of 17 and wrapped up the season at 11th place in the final championship standings.
After Nick Sanchez confirmed a major career update on X that he won’t return to Big Machine Racing next season, fans took to social media platforms to voice their opinions.
One fan wrote:
“That’s crazy, must be a money issue because he has the talent to be there.”
“That’s crappy timing to find that out now. He may have limited options now,” another commented.
“He’s capable and will land somewhere,” said the third user.
“Wtf, and informing him how of all times, weeks after the season ended? The hell is wrong with that team? Somebody with money is all I can assume,” another user wrote.
“Borchetta is a douche,” a fifth fan said.
Nick Sanchez is currently looking for a 2026 ride and is optimistic about what lies ahead in his career.
Edited by Yash Soni
