NASCAR O'Reilly

Nick Sanchez released from Big Machine Racing in abrupt split

Sanchez called the surprising news 'unfortunate timing'

Nick DeGroot

Edited: Dec 8, 2025, 1:28 PM

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Nick Sanchez, Big Machine Racing

Photo by: Chris Graythen - Getty Images

In a unexpected announcement on Monday morning, Nick Sanchez revealed that he will not return to the No. 48 Big Machine Racing Chevrolet in 2026.

"Over the weekend, I was informed hat I will not be driving the No. 48 for Big Machine Racing in 2026," Sanchez said in a statement. "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. When one door closes another one opens. Excited about what is ahead."

The news comes in the middle of the off-season with few rides still left unclaimed for the 2026 NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts (formerly Xfinity) Series season.

Nick Sanchez, Big Machine Racing

Photo by: Sean Gardner / Getty Images

Sanchez had a decent year at Big Machine Racing, as the 24-year-old collected one win, seven top fives, and 12 top tens in his first season full-time in the series. He ended the year eleventh in the championship standings, and his victory at Atlanta was the team's first since Tyler Reddick won at Texas over three years ago.

It's unclear what the No. 48 intends to do for 2026, and of course, we have no indication regarding where Sanchez will land. He is also a winner in the NASCAR Truck Series with two victories in 2024, ending the NCTS season a strong fifth in the final standings. Sanchez also won the 2022 ARCA Menards Series title, and has four wins as an ARCA driver.

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