Nick Sanchez was initially in line to return to Big Machine Racing for the 2026 NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series season, but they opted to go in a different direction and signed Patrick Staropoli to drive the No. 48 Chevrolet.
Sanchez was still able to land a full-time ride with AM Racing, one of just two full-time Ford teams at NASCAR's second highest level and the only team fielding an entry for a full-time driver, and the new deal quietly boosted his future Cup Series prospects in the process.
However, AM Racing and Sanchez are now facing uncertain futures.
AM Racing withdraws from Rockingham race
AM Racing initially entered the No. 25 Ford for Sanchez for this Saturday's North Carolina Education Lottery 250 at Rockingham Speedway, as is expected from any full-time team, but they made the surprising decision to withdraw from the entry list.
No reason has been given for the team's decision to withdraw from the race, and whether or not they will return for next weekend's race at Bristol Motor Speedway, or at any point beyond that race, remains to be seen.
Sanchez had been 25th in the point standings through seven races this year, with a top finish of third place at EchoPark Speedway (Atlanta Motor Speedway). That was his only top 15 finish of the year, and his only other finish higher than 25th was a 16th place effort at Darlington Raceway two weekends ago.
AM Racing also fielded the No. 52 Ford in three races earlier this season for Daniel Dye, who recently left his full-time Craftsman Truck Series ride with Kaulig Racing after being reinstated following his indefinite suspension. That car has not appeared since the season's fifth race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway three weekends ago.
A year ago, Harrison Burton drove the No. 25 Ford full-time and qualified for the playoffs on points, en route to a 12th place finish in the championship standings. He recorded nine top 10 finishes, including two in the top five.
Hettinger Racing, which has fielded the No. 5 car for several drivers already in 2026, is now the sport's lone full-time Ford team.
The CW Network's live coverage of the North Carolina Education Lottery 250 is set to begin at 2:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 4. Start a free trial of FuboTV and don't miss any of the action from Rockingham Speedway!