Imagine a NASCAR team, struggling to climb the ranks, suddenly finding itself on the cusp of a major power-up. That's the buzz surrounding Alpha Prime Racing (APR) right now – whispers suggest they might be ditching Chevy for Ford in 2026, a move that could completely reshape their future! But is this just hot air, or a calculated gamble? Let's dive into the pit lane gossip.
First, a little backstory. Alpha Prime Racing is a phoenix of sorts, rising from the ashes of Martins Motorsports back in 2020. Tommy Joe Martins and Rodney Riessen, the co-owners, bravely jumped back into the Xfinity Series, fielding the No. 44 Chevrolet Camaro SS. They cleverly acquired chassis from GMS Racing and JGL Racing to get their operation rolling. It wasn't all smooth sailing, though. They faced early hurdles, including failing to qualify for the Daytona season opener and even having to temporarily lay off their entire staff during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. But they showed true grit and persevered.
The 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season has seen APR continue to evolve and refine their on-track program. Brennan Poole is back, building on his solid 16th-place finish from the previous year. The No. 45 car has been a rotating door of talent, with drivers like Caesar Bacarella, Josh Williams, and Mason Massey all taking turns behind the wheel, showcasing the team’s adaptability and depth. But with the season drawing to a close, a huge rumor has begun to circulate: APR is considering switching manufacturers.
The potential switch from Chevrolet to Ford for the 2026 season has sent shockwaves through the NASCAR community. While the team hasn't officially confirmed anything (yet!), the rumor mill is churning faster than a V8 engine at Daytona. Insiders and fans alike are fueling the speculation. The core of the rumor? APR, currently a Chevy team, could become a major beneficiary of Ford's desperate need for a stronger and more reliable presence in the Xfinity Series developmental program. But here's where it gets controversial...
The main reason this rumor is gaining traction is the dramatic departure of the Haas Factory Team (HFT) from the Ford camp. HFT is switching to Chevrolet and forming a technical alliance with Hendrick Motorsports for the 2026 season. This is a massive blow to Ford, as HFT inherited the Xfinity program from the now-defunct Stewart-Haas Racing. They were Ford's flagship Xfinity team, even winning the 2023 championship with Cole Custer! Losing them leaves a gaping hole in Ford's development pipeline.
Ford's remaining Xfinity teams, such as RSS Racing and AM Racing, are solid operations, but they don't consistently deliver the front-running performance or multi-car scale that Ford needs to develop its future stars. This creates a significant power vacuum, and a golden opportunity for a well-established, multi-car Chevrolet team like APR to step in and instantly become one of Ford's most heavily supported entries. And this is the part most people miss...
Think of it like this: it's similar to when SS-GreenLight Racing switched from Chevrolet to Ford in 2022 to partner with Stewart-Haas Racing. They didn't just get Ford Mustangs; they also received cars and engines from SHR and Roush Yates Engines, respectively. This was a deliberate move to "raise their competitiveness to the next level," as owner Bobby Dotter put it. APR would likely be seeking a similar comprehensive technical alliance, potentially with an existing Ford powerhouse like RFK Racing or a newly incentivized Team Penske, to gain access to top-tier race cars and a competitive engine program.
While APR has had some impressive moments, like Sage Karam's top-5 finish at Daytona in 2022, they often operate on a tighter budget and use customer engine programs that might not be as advanced as those used by bigger teams like JR Motorsports. By joining forces with Ford, APR could gain a significant boost in OEM funding, premium technical support, and potentially a direct line to developing Ford's up-and-coming drivers.
Team owner Tommy Joe Martins is known for his business savvy and passion for the sport, always striving to achieve more with less. This move might be the key to securing APR's future in the increasingly competitive NASCAR Xfinity Series. Could this be the move that elevates APR from a plucky underdog to a serious contender? It's a tantalizing prospect. But before we get too carried away with the Xfinity rumors, there's another buzz circulating in the Cup garage...
Sam Hunt Racing (SHR) is also making waves, with ambitions that appear to be stretching towards NASCAR's premier series, the Cup Series. Sam Hunt, a former racer who once lived in a van while chasing his racing dreams, founded DRIVE Technology in 2013, which eventually became Sam Hunt Racing. The team made its Xfinity Series debut in 2019 at Homestead-Miami Speedway and has been steadily growing ever since, expanding its operations in Mooresville, North Carolina. Their 2025 season has been a critical step in their evolution, featuring a rotation of talented drivers in the No. 24 car, including Ryan Truex, Corey Heim, Patrick Staropoli, and Jeffrey Earnhardt, who also returned for multiple races, most notably at Talladega.
Looking ahead, SHR's ambitions seem to be aimed squarely at NASCAR's top tier. Reportedly, the team has acquired Cup Series chassis, hinting at preparations for a potential Cup Series entry as early as late 2025 or 2026. Hunt has emphasized the team's competitive goals, stating, "We have one step left to be there consistently. We’ve covered the bingo card all around Victory Lane. I want all of the people who have left bigger, Cup-affiliated teams and have gotten on board with what we’re building to be in victory lane. I won’t say it’ll be the most special day in my life because I am married, but it’ll be close to it."
SHR's growth has been fueled by strategic partnerships, particularly with Toyota Racing Development, and the integration of equipment and personnel from Joe Gibbs Racing, including Brian Gainey from JGR's No. 20 Xfinity Series team. Drivers like John Hunter Nemechek, Corey Heim, and Kaz Grala have all achieved success behind the wheel for SHR this season, proving the team's ability to compete at a high level. With talent, teamwork, and manufacturer backing, SHR continues to demonstrate that it's a serious contender, even hinting at future Cup Series competition.
So, what do you think? Is APR making the right move by potentially switching to Ford? Will the influx of resources propel them to the front of the pack? And can Sam Hunt Racing successfully make the leap to the Cup Series? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Do you think manufacturer loyalty matters less than gaining a competitive edge? Is it all about the money and the tech, or is there something more to it? We're eager to hear your perspective!
