
Both AM Racing and Nick Sanchez are in a place they didn't expect to be entering 2026.
After a solid first year with Big Machine Racing, winning a NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Atlanta, Sanchez was suddenly let go in the middle of the off-season in a decision that left him and many watching surprised. "Unfortunate timing and circumstances, but it's strictly business," said Sanchez then. Patrick Staropoli ended up replacing him behind the wheel of the No. 48 Chevrolet.