Xfinity out as NASCAR’s second-tier series sponsor. Who will replace it?
NASCAR’s second-tier national series is getting a new name starting in 2026. O’Reilly Auto Parts will take over as the circuit’s title sponsor, the organizations announced Monday.
This marks the fourth title sponsor in the series’ history, following an 11-year run with Xfinity. The move also extends O’Reilly’s longstanding association with NASCAR, as the Springfield, Missouri-based auto parts retailer has long supported the sport through race and event sponsorships.
“Like the great sport of NASCAR, O’Reilly Auto Parts was born in America and built on the hard work and drive of passionate people,” NASCAR president Steve O’Donnell said in the release. “This new partnership allows us to continue to fuel that passion for the next generation of NASCAR’s stars and fans while celebrating the journey we’ve been on together for decades.”
The move comes as NASCAR’s secondary series enjoys a ratings surge on The CW — which will remain the broadcast home of the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series — averaging 1.1 million viewers this season, a 17% spike from last year and on pace to be its most-watched since 2018.
O’Reilly, which operates more than 6,400 stores, succeeds Xfinity (2015-2025), Nationwide (2008-14) and Anheuser-Busch (1982-2007) as the secondary series’ fourth title sponsor since its founding in 1982.
“Partnering with NASCAR and The CW at this level enables us to further deepen our connection to one of the most loyal fanbases in all of sports,” Hugo Sanchez, O’Reilly Auto Parts vice president of advertising and marketing, said in the release. “This agreement builds on our long-term involvement in NASCAR and our dedication to the fans who love cars as much as we do.”
This story was originally published August 18, 2025 at 10:48 AM.
