Nick Sanchez will not return to Big Machine Racing in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2026, he announced Dec. 8.
Sanchez had been previously set to race the team’s No. 48 for a second season in a row.
“Over the weekend, I was informed that I will not be driving the No. 48 for Big Machine Racing in 2026,” Sanchez said. “I’m grateful to Scott Borchetta, Patrick Donahue, everyone at Chevrolet and the whole team. I am proud of all we have accomplished this year, including our win.
“Unfortunate timing and circumstances, but it’s strictly business.”
Big Machine has not commented on the change.
In 2025, Sanchez scored one win, seven top fives and 12 top 10s in the No. 48, finishing 11th in points.
Kevin Rutherford is the executive editor of Frontstretch, a position he gained in 2025 after being the managing editor since 2015, and serving on the editing staff since 2013.
At his day job, he's a journalist covering music and rock charts at Billboard. He lives in New York City, but his heart is in Ohio -- you know, like that Hawthorne Heights song.
What a punk. Well deserved.
Agreed. The way Sanchez has handled himself, it’s hard to find any empathy here.
I believe he was treated about the same way as he has treated others. Maybe this slap in the face will readjust this otherwise talented driver. There is speculation he could get in the JGR 54, but he will have to bring a wad of cash and he has not attracted much in the way of money. He was in the charity truck ride, then moved to Borchetta’s team which already had the sponsorship in place. I’m guessing Big Machine is driving the change OR some other unproven talent has backed up the Brinks truck to Borchetta’s door. Sanchez will need to do even more if he expects to be given serious consideration at JGR.