As the calendar moves closer to the 2026 O'Reilly Auto Parts Series season, teams in the secondary NASCAR series start to form alliances while pursuing improved performance.
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Two teams announced alliances with larger organizations the week of No. 17 with the ultimate goal of becoming more competitive on a weekly basis.
Jeremy Clements Racing announced that it will have a technical partnership with Haas Factory Team as the organization switches from Ford Racing to Team Chevrolet. Viking Motorsports announced an enhanced technical alliance with Richard Childress Racing.
A key part of this new alliance will be Jeremy Clements Racing working out of the Haas Factory Team in Kannapolis, North Carolina, while having access to more resources. This will be key as Clements pursues his third career O'Reilly Auto Parts Series win.
"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," said Clements in a press release.
Viking Motorsports will continue to use ECR engines as Parker Retzlaff takes over the No. 99 Chevrolet. It will also have access to Richard Childress Racing's support network, operational resources, and collaborative processes.
The enhanced alliance will provide Viking Motorsports more opportunities as the team tries to perform more consistently. The team has already posted four top-10 finishes and one top-five with former driver Matt DiBenedetto. Having more resources and information will help Viking Motorsports as it tries to surpass these numbers.
"Forming this partnership with RCR represents another important step in our mission to continue improving and growing as a competitive team," said Jeremy Lange, General Manager of Viking Motorsports.
"Our foundation is built on hard work, teamwork, and determination — and with RCR's engineering expertise and ECR engines supporting our program, we're gaining the tools and knowledge to take the next step forward. This partnership truly embodies what it means to be Forged to Race."
