The NASCAR world is abuzz with a rumor that could shake up the sport's landscape! Alpha Prime Racing, a team with a remarkable comeback story, is rumored to be considering a bold move: ditching Chevrolet for Ford in 2026. But why would they make such a switch? And what does it mean for the future of NASCAR?
Born from the remnants of Martins Motorsports, Alpha Prime Racing rose like a phoenix in 2020, entering the Xfinity Series with a Chevrolet Camaro SS. It hasn't been an easy journey; they faced early setbacks, including a missed qualification at Daytona and the pandemic's impact. Yet, they persevered, and their determination paid off.
Fast forward to the 2025 season, and Alpha Prime Racing (APR) is on an upward trajectory. With Brennan Poole back in the driver's seat and a rotating lineup in the No. 45 car, they've demonstrated resilience and versatility. But here's where it gets controversial—the team is rumored to be considering a manufacturer switch, and it's all because of a power play within the NASCAR community.
The rumor mill suggests that APR might jump ship from Chevrolet to Ford, and it's not just idle gossip. The catalyst? Haas Factory Team's (HFT) sudden departure from Ford to Chevrolet, leaving a gaping hole in Ford's Xfinity development program. HFT, once Ford's flagship Xfinity team, has now aligned with Hendrick Motorsports, creating a void that Ford desperately needs to fill.
Ford's remaining Xfinity teams, while capable, lack the consistent front-running performance and multi-car scale that Ford desires. This creates a unique opportunity for APR, a solid multi-car Chevrolet team, to step into the spotlight. By switching to Ford, APR could gain access to substantial OEM funding, top-tier technical support, and a potential pipeline for developing Ford's future stars.
A similar switch was made by SS-GreenLight Racing in 2022, who moved from Chevrolet to Ford to align with Stewart-Haas Racing. This move elevated their competitiveness, and APR might be seeking a similar alliance with a Ford powerhouse like RFK Racing or Team Penske. With such a partnership, APR could acquire race cars and engines that rival those of top teams like JR Motorsports.
Team owner Tommy Joe Martins is known for his business savvy and passion, making the most of limited resources. This potential switch could secure APR's future in the highly competitive Xfinity Series. But wait, there's more! Another rumor is circulating in the Cup garage, involving Sam Hunt Racing.
Sam Hunt Racing, founded by ex-racer Sam Hunt, has steadily grown since its debut in 2019. Their 2025 season has been a showcase of talent, with a rotating driver lineup in the No. 24 car. Now, they have their sights set on NASCAR's pinnacle: the Cup Series. Rumors suggest they've acquired Cup Series chassis, indicating a potential entry as early as late 2025 or 2026. Sam Hunt's ambition is clear, and he's not shy about it, stating that a Cup Series win would be one of the most special days of his life.
With strategic partnerships, including Toyota Racing Development and Joe Gibbs Racing, and a talented driver roster, Sam Hunt Racing is a force to be reckoned with. They've proven their mettle and are poised to challenge the Cup Series elite. But will they succeed in their ambitious endeavor?
The NASCAR community is abuzz with these rumors, and the potential implications are significant. What do you think? Is Alpha Prime Racing making the right move? And will Sam Hunt Racing conquer the Cup Series? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's discuss the future of these rising stars!
