For several years, Hettinger Racing has served as a cornerstone operation in the Late Model community, fielding entries in multiple divisions, including the zMAX CARS Tour. However, in 2026, the team is taking a major step forward.
With technical support from Ford Racing and engines supplied by Roush-Yates Engines, Hettinger Racing will be fielding a full-time entry in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. The newly formed operation will be putting the No. 5 Ford Mustang Dark Horse on the racetrack each week for the coming season.
“This is about putting our race team in the right place at the right time,” said Chris Hettinger. “The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series has incredible momentum. It features great racing and the series gets significant exposure thanks to coverage from The CW. Combining that platform with the support of Ford Racing and Roush Yates Engines gives us the opportunity to grow our program into one that competes at a national level.”
Chris Hettinger is a second-generation race car driver, who began his career behind the wheel with victories in Late Models and open-wheel Midgets, before transitioning into becoming a full-time team owner. Over the years, the Dryden, Michigan-native has worked diligently to provide opportunities to up-and-coming racers through the zMAX CARS Tour and other divisions.
“I’ve been impressed by what Chris Hettinger has already built, and Roush Yates Engines is proud to be a part of Hettinger Racing’s future growth,” said Doug Yates, President and CEO of Roush Yates Engines. “Chris is a racer and a very good businessman who is taking a smart and methodical approach to 2026. All of us at Roush Yates Engines are committed to him and his vision for Hettinger Racing.”
Long before Hettinger began acquiring chassis to put together his fleet of Ford Mustang race cars, he acquired the owner points from the No. 70 team of Cope Family Racing, which ranks 31st overall from the previous season. This gives Hettinger Racing peace of mind when it comes to their chances of qualifying for the season-opener at Daytona International Speedway.
Joe Williams, Jr., a long-time crew chief in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, moves from Alpha Prime Racing to Hettinger Racing to serve as shot-caller of the No. 5 Ford Mustang Dark Horse in 2026. Williams worked with Brett Moffitt in the first season of AM Racing, and also worked last season with Parker Retzlaff, where the team earned a runner-up finish at Rockingham Speedway.
“We’re entering the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series with a solid foundation, strong technical partners and a clear understanding of what it takes to be competitive,” Hettinger said.
Hettinger Racing isn’t a stranger to jumping into the ranks of NASCAR’s National Series, after purchasing the assets of Bret Holmes Racing at the end of 2024, and fielding an entry for multiple races with Brett Moffitt, and starting the 2025 season with Mason Maggio at Daytona.
Further announcements for driver and partnership plans for Hettinger Racing during the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series campaign will come prior to the series’ open test at the end of January at Rockingham Speedway.
