3 realistic landing spots for Nick Sanchez in 2026 after losing the Big Machine seat

Nick Sanchez enters the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series without a seat after he confirmed that he would not return to the Big Machine Racing No. 48. The update arrived on X, where he thanked the team and was already focused on what comes next.

Sanchez joined Big Machine after his strong Truck Series run in 2024, where he came close to reaching the Championship 4. His step up to Xfinity in 2025 produced more progress. He broke through at Atlanta with a win in June and reached the playoffs in his rookie season at the level. Now, heading into the rebranded O’Reilly Auto Parts Series next year, he is without a seat. Several competitive teams still have openings, giving him a realistic path to stay in the mix.

Below are three logical destinations for Nick Sanchez.

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3 potential NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series teams for Nick Sanchez in 2026

1. Jordan Anderson Racing - The No. 32 Chevrolet

Jeb Burton (27) during the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Gateway. Source: Imagn

Jordan Anderson Racing has announced a new technical alliance with Richard Childress Racing and plans to expand to three full-time cars. Jeb Burton will return to the No. 27 for a fourth season. The team also locked in Rajah Caruth for 10 races in 2026 in the No. 32, while Blaine Perkins returns in the No. 31.

That leaves 23 open races in the No. 32 Chevrolet. It is the best-resourced seat available in a team that is growing with factory support. The structure also mirrors what Sanchez had at Big Machine. The JR Motorsports No. 88 Chevrolet will also have 10 open races where Caruth will run the rest of the season. Pairing both programmes could complete a full season for both drivers and keep them in title contention.

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2. Young’s Motorsports - The No. 42 Chevrolet

Nick Sanchez (48) and Anthony Alfredo (42) in Martinsville. Source: Getty

Young’s Motorsports has announced an expansion to two cars in 2026. They have already confirmed Ryan Ellis for the No. 02 Chevrolet next season. Anthony Alfredo, the team’s full-time driver in 2025, moves to the Viking Motorsports No. 96 with Josh Graham as crew chief, leaving one open seat for 2026.

The No. 42 Chevrolet fits Sanchez well. It is a developing operation focused on younger drivers and long-term projects. He would arrive with playoff experience and match the organisation’s target profile. Alongside Ellis, the pairing would provide the team with a balanced lineup, combining expertise on one side and proven upside on the other.

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3. Joe Gibbs Racing - The No. 54 Toyota

Nick Sanchez (48) and Taylor Gray (54) at Pocono Raceway. Source: Imagn

Joe Gibbs Racing had four entries in the 2025 season. They have already confirmed Brent Crews for 29 races in the No. 19 next season. Brandon Jones remains in the No. 20. The No. 18 Toyota, driven by William Sawalich for most of 2025, is expected to return. That leaves the No. 54 as the most realistic vacancy in the lineup.

Aric Almirola is expected to feature part-time in the No. 19 after his owner title-winning campaign. Still, Taylor Gray is unlikely to return to the No. 54 seat based on recent reports, and that opening becomes a prime opportunity. Nick Sanchez would step into winning equipment and join a team with a history of quickly elevating drivers. The move would also give Toyota another young asset with race-winning experience.