Big Machine Racing abruptly cut ties with driver Nick Sanchez ahead of the 2026 NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series season.

Sanchez finished 11th in the championship standings for the 2025 season, when the circuit was known as the Xfinity Series. The 24-year-old Miami product clinched his first win at the level at the Focused Health 250 at EchoPark Speedway outside Atlanta in June.

"Over the weekend, I was informed that I will not be driving the No. 48 for Big Machine Racing in 2026," Sanchez wrote in a statement Monday.

"I'm grateful to (owner) Scott Borchetta, (crew chief) 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 ano

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