Nick Sanchez laments 'unfortunate timing' of Big Machine split

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 another opens. Excited about what is ahead!"

Sanchez's win was Big Machine Racing's first victory in the series since 2022. He achieved six additional top-five finishes during his first full year in NASCAR's second division.

He was the 2022 ARCA Menards Series champion and boasts two career wins in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, which crowned him Rookie of the Year in 2023.

Big Machine Racing has yet to announce Sanchez's replacement.

--Field Level Media