Emerging from the ashes of Martins Motorsports, which had ceased operations in 2018, Alpha Prime Racing made a triumphant return in 2020. Co-owners Tommy Joe Martins and Rodney Riessen re-entered the Xfinity Series with the No. 44 Chevrolet Camaro SS, purchasing chassis from GMS Racing and JGL Racing to bolster their inventory. Despite failing to qualify for the season opener at Daytona and the temporary layoff of all employees during the COVID-19 pandemic, the team persevered.

The 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season witnessed APR’s continued evolution. Brennan Poole returned to the team, building on his 16th-place finish in the 2024 standings. The No. 45 car, driven by a rotating lineup including Caesar Bacarella, Josh Williams, and Mason Massey, showcased the team’s depth and adaptability. But with the end of this season, it seems the team plans to switch alliances with a long-time manufacturer.

How manufacturer loyalty yields to technical gain in NASCAR

Alpha Prime Racing’s potential switch from Chevrolet to Ford for the 2026 NASCAR Xfinity Series season has ignited considerable speculation within the motorsport community. While the team has not officially confirmed any manufacturer change, chatters have been circulating, fueled by insiders and fans alike.

The rumor, circulating within the NASCAR “Silly Season” mill, posits that APR, currently fielding Chevrolet Camaros, could become a key beneficiary of Ford’s urgent need for a stronger, reliable presence in the Xfinity developmental ladder.

The primary catalyst for this rumor is the dramatic departure of Haas Factory Team (HFT) from the Ford umbrella, as HFT announced a switch to Chevrolet and a technical alliance with Hendrick Motorsports for the 2026 season. The loss of HFT, which inherited the Xfinity program from the now-defunct Stewart-Haas Racing and was Ford’s flagship Xfinity team, even winning the 2023 championship with Cole Custer, left Ford’s developmental program severely depleted.

Ford’s remaining Xfinity teams, such as RSS Racing and AM Racing, while capable, do not currently offer the consistent front-running performance or multi-car scale Ford desires for prospect development. This void creates a critical power vacuum and a unique, lucrative opportunity for a solid, multi-car Chevrolet team like APR to step in and immediately become one of Ford’s most resource-supported entries.

An example of a similar switch for an alliance upgrade was SS-GreenLight Racing, which moved from Chevrolet to Ford in 2022 to align with Stewart-Haas Racing, receiving not only Ford Mustangs but also SHR-supplied cars and Roush Yates Engines. It was a move designed to “raise their competitiveness to the next level,” as owner Bobby Dotter stated.

APR would likely be seeking a similarly comprehensive technical alliance, potentially with an existing Ford powerhouse like RFK Racing or a newly incentivized Team Penske, to acquire race cars and a competitive engine program.

While APR has achieved notable results, such as their first top-5 finish with Sage Karam at Daytona in 2022, they often operate on a tighter budget and utilize customer engine programs that may not be on par with the highest-tier leases enjoyed by organizations like JR Motorsports.

By aligning with Ford, APR would likely gain a substantial injection of OEM funding, premium technical support, and potentially a pipeline for developing Ford prospects.

Team owner Tommy Joe Martins has often been praised for his business acumen and passion for the sport, striving to do more with less. This move might just secure APR’s future in the increasingly competitive landscape of the NASCAR Xfinity Series. However, while this rumor surges in Xfinity, another one circles the Cup garage.

Sam Hunt Racing eyes NASCAR Cup Series as ambitions grow

Sam Hunt Racing began as DRIVE Technology in 2013, founded by former racer Sam Hunt, who once lived in a van chasing his dreams. The team made its Xfinity Series debut in 2019 at Homestead-Miami Speedway and has steadily grown, expanding operations in Mooresville, North Carolina.

Their 2025 season has been pivotal, featuring a rotation of drivers in the No. 24 car, including Ryan Truex, Corey Heim, Patrick Staropoli, and Jeffrey Earnhardt, who also returned for multiple races, notably at Talladega.

Looking ahead, SHR’s ambitions appear to extend toward NASCAR’s top tier. The team has reportedly acquired Cup Series chassis, signaling preparations for a potential Cup Series entry as early as late 2025 or 2026.

Hunt emphasized the team’s competitive goals, “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 Joe Gibbs Racing equipment and personnel, including Brian Gainey from JGR’s No. 20 Xfinity Series team. Drivers like John Hunter Nemechek, Corey Heim, and Kaz Grala have all found success behind SHR’s wheel this season, proving the team can compete at a high level.

With talent, teamwork, and manufacturer backing, SHR continues to demonstrate it’s a serious contender, even hinting at future Cup Series competition.