NASCAR‘s secondary racing division, the Xfinity Series, will undergo a name change in 2026 as a result of a new sponsorship deal with O’Reilly Auto Parts. Xfinity has held the naming rights since 2015, but that will change next year to the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
Originally launched in 1982, the No. 2 racing division below the Cup Series was called the Budweiser Late Model Sportsman Series, before becoming the NASCAR Busch Grand National Series from 1984 to 2002. The name was then modified to the NASCAR Busch Series until it was taken over by Nationwide in 2008. It was then rebranded to the NASCAR Nationwide Series until 2014.
The Xfinity Series has witnessed an impressive viewership growth of around 17 percent in the first year of its partnership with The CW Network, averaging 1.1 million viewers in each race.
Now, NASCAR announced a multi-year deal with Missouri-based O’Reilly Auto Parts, which sponsored races for several years. NASCAR President Steve O’Donnell said in a statement:
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“Like the great sport of NASCAR, O’Reilly Auto Parts was born in America and built on the hard work and drive of passionate people. This new partnership allows us to continue to fuel that passion for the next generation of NASCAR’s stars and fans while celebrating the journey we’ve been on together for decades.”
O’Reilly Auto Parts President Brent Kirby added:
“Our company is rooted in the same values that define NASCAR — teamwork, enthusiasm and dedication. You’ll see those in action when our customers walk through our doors. We know they need fast service, and Team O’Reilly will get them the parts they need quickly, with excellent customer service. We welcome all fans to stop by our stores and see how our team can help keep them running.”
Hugo Sanchez, O’Reilly Auto Parts vice president of advertising and marketing, said:
“Partnering with NASCAR and The CW at this level enables us to further deepen our connection to one of the most loyal fanbases in all of sports. This agreement builds on our long-term involvement in NASCAR and our dedication to the fans who love cars as much as we do.”
The CW will continue to broadcast the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series next year. Commenting on the new deal, Brad Schwartz, President of The CW Network, said:
“The success of NASCAR on The CW has shown that millions of fans will consistently tune in for these adrenaline-fueled races every week.
“This exciting new partnership with O’Reilly Auto Parts gives us the opportunity to expand that reach even further by tapping into our mutually strong presence in local communities nationwide and continuing to grow our passionate audience in the years to come.”