NASCAR Reframes Grassroots Racing Platform with O’Reilly Auto Parts as Entitlement Partner Supporting Local Tracks
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 12, 2026) — NASCAR today announced the launch of the NASCAR Local Racing Series Powered by O’Reilly Auto Parts, a strategic reframing of its longstanding grassroots racing platform designed to more clearly reflect the vital role local short tracks play in communities across the United States and Canada.
Formerly known as the NASCAR Weekly Series, the NASCAR Local Racing Series Powered by O’Reilly Auto Parts places renewed emphasis on the competitive, community-driven racing that serves as the foundation of the sport. The updated identity simplifies how grassroots racing is presented to fans, partners, and communities, while reinforcing NASCAR’s long-standing commitment to local competitors and hometown tracks.
“Local short tracks are the heartbeat of NASCAR — they’re where raw talent is developed, hard-nosed competition is on full display, and the next generation of stars earns its stripes,” said Joey Dennewitz, Managing Director of NASCAR Regional. “Week after week, these drivers compete in intense, high-level racing environments that demand skill, resilience, and respect for the craft. The NASCAR Local Racing Series Powered by O’Reilly Auto Parts captures the authenticity, toughness, and community pride that define grassroots racing, while presenting it in a way that is clearer and more accessible for fans and partners alike. This platform celebrates the tracks and communities where racing isn’t just something you watch — it’s something you live.”
As part of the launch, O’Reilly Auto Parts has been named the exclusive entitlement partner of the NASCAR Local Racing Series, further deepening its long-standing relationship with NASCAR, which includes the title sponsorship of the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
“O’Reilly Auto Parts has a deep-rooted passion in providing excellent customer service and helping customers keep their cars in great condition, whether it’s in local racing or regular commuters” said Hugo Sanchez, Vice President of Marketing and Advertising at O’Reilly Auto Parts. “From local short tracks to the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and throughout the country, our commitment to NASCAR fans and our customers spans the full spectrum. Powering the NASCAR Local Racing Series allows us to continue supporting racers, teams, and local communities.”
In addition to O’Reilly Auto Parts’ entitlement partnership, Grizzly Nicotine Pouches, a brand of American Snuff Company, will serve as a significant partner to local tracks within the NASCAR Local Racing Series footprint, providing additional support through signage and market-level activations.
The NASCAR Local Racing Series Powered by O’Reilly Auto Parts will continue to sanction weekly racing at tracks across North America, serving as a critical entry point for emerging drivers and a cornerstone of NASCAR’s driver development pathway. You can watch NASCAR local races all season on FloRacing.
For more information, visit NASCAR.com/Regional.
About O’Reilly Auto Parts
Since 1957, O’Reilly Automotive, Inc., has grown from a family-owned company to a leader in the automotive replacement parts industry. It supplies equipment, tools, parts, and accessories to professional service providers and do-it-yourself customers across the United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Canada. With more than 6,500 store locations and growing, the O’Reilly Professional Parts People deliver excellent customer service, knowledge and value to the communities they serve.
About Grizzly Nicotine Pouches
Grizzly Nicotine Pouches is a brand of American Snuff Company, LLC (ASC), a subsidiary of Reynolds American Inc. Grizzly Nicotine Pouches are a tobacco leaf-free nicotine product available to adult nicotine consumers nationwide (where permitted)
About NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 14 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR sanctions races in three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series™, and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series™), four international series (NASCAR Brasil Series, NASCAR Canada Series, NASCAR Euro Series, NASCAR Mexico Series), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and a local grassroots series (NASCAR Local Racing Series Powered by O’Reilly Auto Parts). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in five cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races annually in 11 countries and more than 30 U.S. states.
For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, X and Facebook.
