The 2026 Xfinity Series is just over the horizon, with a new name: “O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.” In the meantime, the 2025 off-season is abuzz with teams forming new alliances and parting ways with the old. And one single car team in particular, which is long known for punching above its weight, is chasing technical alliances that promise better engineering and resources. This type of new alliance-making and old one breaking is a clear indication that loyalties can shift fast when performance is on the line.

Ford, which is a longtime powerhouse in stock car racing, now faces a tougher road. As rivals like Chevrolet ramp up their support networks, Ford’s grip could slip if key allies walk away. One such alliance breakup stands out for its bold impact.

RSS Racing bolts from Ford to Chevy in major shake-up

RSS Racing, the North Carolina-based team behind the No. 38 and No. 39 cars, is cutting ties with Ford after years of partnership. The move aligns them with Haas Factory Team’s switch to Chevrolet for 2026, ensuring seamless technical support from the Kannapolis shop. This isn’t just any other swap; it’s a well-planned strategic play by RSS to tap into Hendrick Motorsports’ vast resources through Haas. Through this alliance, the RSS racing team aims to climb from mid-pack finishes like their 2025 efforts, where they hovered around 20th in owner points.

The decision stems from the Haas team’s move to Chevy, leaving Ford without a vital Xfinity anchor. RSS, which was founded in 2016 by Rod Sieg and is now run by his son Ryan, has leaned on Ford since entering the series full time in 2020. But with Haas advocating for Hendrick‘s Chevy superior engine tech and alliance perks, RSS follows suit to avoid isolation.

With key allies leaving, it hits Ford hard, as this will shrink its Xfinity footprint to just a handful of teams and strain parts supply for independents.

Jeremy Clements, owner of ally Jeremy Clements Racing, captured the excitement in a statement: “We’ve always fought hard as a single-car team, but this is a major opportunity for us, and partnering with the Haas Factory Team means a lot. We’re excited for what’s ahead!” His words echo RSS’s mindset; JCR’s similar tie-in with Haas means shared Chevy blueprints and data, potentially lifting both squads.

Clements’ team, fresh off a tough 21st in 2025 drivers’ standings, sees this as a lifeline, much like RSS, who’ve dealt with limited Ford aid amid budget woes. As these Chevy bonds tighten, Ford scrambles to rebuild. But the real story? How one team’s pivot could echo across the series.

While alliances evolve in Xfinity, Cup Series eyes turn to Daytona.

JR Motorsports revs up Allgaier for 2026 Daytona charge

JR Motorsports is doubling down on its Cup Series run by putting Justin Allgaier into the No. 40 Traveler Whiskey Chevrolet for the 2026 Daytona 500. JRM, which is owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kelley Earnhardt Miller, leans on Xfinity dominance (105 wins, four titles) to make the Cup Series run successful.

This Daytona run is backed by Chris Stapleton’s award-winning “Traveller Whiskey.” Allgaier, who is still fresh off his 2024 Xfinity crown and a 2025 third-place run with three victories, brings duel-winning savvy to dodge Dayton’s chaos.

Kelley Earnhardt Miller beamed about the repeat: “Getting the opportunity to enter a second DAYTONA 500 is something that is extremely special to everyone at JR Motorsports. Last year was an amazing moment, and I’m very proud to be able to see this group come back together with the support of Chris Stapleton and Traveller Whiskey to go after it again in February.”

Her excitement ties to the 2025 Daytona 500 thrill, where Allgaier clinically navigated through the tight pack to clinch a dramatic ninth-place finish. In 2025, JRM registered its inaugural run of the DAYTONA 500, proving JRM’s prep rivals full-timers. Stapleton’s blend, a 90-proof gem dubbed 2024’s top super-premium whiskey, mirrors the team’s craftsmanship, blending Earnhardt’s legacy with Allgaier’s 28 Xfinity triumphs.

Allgaier echoed the fire: “I’m honored to be able to have the chance to drive this Traveller Whiskey Chevrolet again for Dale, Kelley and all of JR Motorsports. Last year was such an incredible opportunity and experience, and I am really thankful that Chris Stapleton and Traveller wanted to come back and be a part of this again.”

His track record of six Most Popular Driver awards and all-time series leader in top-10 finishes fuels hopes for a better run next season, building on that P9 to chase stage points amid 40-car pack drafting. This entry spotlights JRM‘s selective Cup pushes, testing the depth of the river without full commitment while honoring Earnhardt’s roots.