The Haas Factory team may not be the only NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series team leaving Ford ahead of the 2026 season. 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.

In a new social media post, RSS provided details involving its operation for the upcoming season:

• Sciaps returns as a full-time sponsor.
• Alliance with Haas Factory Team. Both teams will operate out of NC.
• Switch to Chevrolet with Hendrick engines.
• Matt Noyce returns as crew chief for Ryan Sieg.
• Aedan McHugh will crew chief for Kyle Sieg.

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.

The decision stems from the Haas team’s move to Chevy, leaving Ford without a vital Xfinity anchor. RSS, which Rod Sieg founded, 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. This will shrink Ford’s Xfinity footprint to just a handful of teams and strain parts supply for independents.

Joey Gase Motorsports and AM Racing will be the only two Ford teams in the NASCAR OAPS.

How Ford will fill this gap is not known. As of now, no teams have reported switching to Ford. And with just 89 days left for the series season opener at Daytona, things look grim. But that’s not where it ends.

Jeremy Clements, co-owner of Jeremy Clements Racing, has a similar tie-in with Haas. That translates to shared Chevy blueprints and data, potentially lifting both squads. “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!” Clements said in a statement.

Clements’ team, fresh off a tough 21st in 2025 drivers’ standings, sees this as a lifeline, much like RSS, which has dealt with limited Ford aid amid budget woes. As the Chevy bond tightens, 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 while talking about it: “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.