O’Reilly Auto Parts is expected to become the new title sponsor of the NASCAR Xfinity Series starting in 2026, following Xfinity’s planned exit after the current season. The Springfield, Missouri-based company is reportedly leading the field to acquire the naming rights, marking a significant shift in the series’ sponsorship landscape.
The news comes as the Sports Business Journal confirmed O’Reilly Auto Parts holds the front-runner position for the deal to begin next year. An official announcement could be made as early as next week, solidifying the company’s role as the series’ new primary partner.
Company Background and Regional Connection to NASCAR
O’Reilly Auto Parts, founded in 1957 and a subsidiary of O’Reilly Automotive, Inc., operates more than 6,000 stores nationwide. Its widespread presence significantly overlaps with key stock-car racing territories, making the sponsorship a natural fit for both brand promotion and fan engagement within NASCAR’s core markets.
This move aligns O’Reilly’s extensive market reach with the NASCAR Xfinity Series, potentially boosting the company’s visibility while supporting a sport that enjoys avid regional followings, especially in the southern United States and other racing hotbeds.
Current NASCAR Xfinity Series Standings and Upcoming Events
As the 2025 season nears its conclusion, competitors prepare for the remaining three regular-season races. Justin Allgaier, coming off a break week, trails the current points leader Connor Zilisch by seven points heading into Friday night’s event at Daytona International Speedway.
This weekend’s NASCAR national series events at Daytona include key competitions such as the Xfinity Series qualifying and the Wawa 250 Powered By Coca-Cola on Friday, followed by the Cup Series qualifying and the Coke Zero Sugar 400 race on Saturday. These races remain critical as drivers jockey for championship positioning.
Event Schedule Highlights for Daytona Weekend
The weekend’s schedule at Daytona International Speedway features:
- Friday: Xfinity Series qualifying at 3 p.m., Cup Series qualifying at 5:05 p.m., and the Wawa 250 Powered By Coca-Cola race at 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday: The Cup Series Coke Zero Sugar 400 race starting at 7:30 p.m.
The lead-up to the races includes a series of NASCAR-themed activities organized by sponsors such as Coke Florida, enhancing fan experience and engagement around the high-profile events.
Complete Entry List for the Wawa 250 Powered By Coca-Cola
The NASCAR Xfinity Series officials have published the complete list of drivers and car numbers set to compete in Friday night’s Wawa 250 Powered By Coca-Cola at Daytona International Speedway:
- Sheldon Creed, No. 00 Ford
- Carson Kvapil, No. 1 Chevrolet
- Jesse Love, No. 2 Chevrolet
- Parker Retzlaff, No. 4 Chevrolet
- Patrick Emerling, No. 07 Chevrolet
- Justin Allgaier, No. 7 Chevrolet
- Sammy Smith, No. 8 Chevrolet
- Danile Dye, No. 10 Chevrolet
- Justin Haley, No. 11 Chevrolet
- Garrett Smithley, No. 14 Chevrolet
- Christian Eckes, No. 16 Chevrolet
- William Sawalich, No. 18 Toyota
- Aric Almirola, No. 19 Toyota
- Brandon Jones, No. 20 Toyota
- Austin Hill, No. 21 Chevrolet
- Harrison Burton, No. 25 Ford
- Dean Thompson, No. 26 Toyota
- Jeb Burton, No. 27 Chevrolet
- Kyle Sieg, No. 28 Ford
- Blaine Perkins, No. 31 Chevrolet
- Rajah Caruth, No. 32 Chevrolet
- Mason Maggio, No. 35 Chevrolet
- Ryan Sieg, No. 39 Ford
- Sam Mayer, No. 41 Ford
- Anthony Alfredo, No. 42 Chevrolet
- Brennan Poole, No. 44 Chevrolet
- Josh Williams, No. 45 Chevrolet
- Nick Sanchez, No. 48 Chevrolet
- Jeremy Clements, No. 51 Chevrolet
- Josey Gase, No. 53 Chevrolet
- Taylor Gray, No. 54 Toyota
- Leland Honeyman, No. 70 Chevrolet
- Ryan Ellis, No. 71 Chevrolet
- Logan Bearden, No. 74 Chevrolet
- Connor Zilisch, No. 88 Chevrolet
- Josh Bilicki, No. 91 Chevrolet
- Natalie Decker, No. 92 Chevrolet
- Matt DiBenedetto, No. 99 Chevrolet
- Caesar Bacarella, No. 105 Chevrolet
Implications of the Sponsorship Transition for NASCAR and O’Reilly Auto Parts
The expected transition of the title sponsorship from Xfinity to O’Reilly Auto Parts signals a notable evolution in the NASCAR Xfinity Series sponsorship landscape. This change is likely to influence marketing strategies, fan engagement, and overall brand alignment for the series.
Securing a prominent, automotive-focused sponsor like O’Reilly may strengthen the series’ ties to its fan base, which heavily overlaps with automotive retail customers. For O’Reilly, this sponsorship represents a strategic opportunity to increase brand visibility nationally while deepening its connection to motorsport enthusiasts.
As the official announcement approaches, both NASCAR stakeholders and fans alike will monitor how O’Reilly Auto Parts leverages this platform to shape the future identity of the NASCAR Xfinity Series starting in 2026.
“.@OReillyAuto Parts is in pole position to replace @Xfinity as title sponsor of the @NASCAR_Xfinity Series starting next year, per people familiar with the matter. pic.twitter.com/K6YgDcyNw6
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) August 16, 2025
(O’Reilly Auto Parts) is in pole position to replace [Xfinity] as title sponsor of the (NASCAR Xfinity Series) starting next year, per people familiar with the matter,
—Adam Stern