Peterson Racing officially confirmed the addition of Nick Sanchez to the team’s driver roster in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series on Monday afternoon. Joseph Srigley had the initial report of Sanchez joining the team.
Sanchez will slide behind the wheel of the No. 87 Chevrolet in four NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series events, beginning with the event at Pocono Raceway on Saturday, June 13.
Additionally, Sanchez will pilot the entry at Chicagoland Speedway on July 4, EchoPark Speedway on July 11, and Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 25.
Sanchez, who started the 2026 season driving the No. 25 Ford for AM Racing, saw his full-time opportunity fizzle, as the AM Racing team was unable to sustain its operation after the opening seven races of the season. The 24-year-old is elated to get back behind the wheel.
“I am excited and ready for this opportunity with Peterson Racing,” Sanchez said in a team press release. “The Peterson Racing organization has all the pieces in place, and I hope to be a great asset to their growth. I have been in a similar situation before with their team alliance and am familiar with the people and processes.”
Peterson Racing shares the sentiment in adding a proven NASCAR National Series race winner in Sanchez. However, as the team has aspirations of moving to a multi-car operation in the future, the organization remains committed to Austin Green, who had driven the No. 87 Chevrolet full-time through the opening 16 races of the campaign.
“We are excited to have Nick join the Peterson Racing team,” stated Jody Measamer, crew chief for Peterson Racing. “We are in a growth process with our program, with our sights set on expanding to a multi-car operation in the future, and this allows us to have a second driver in our cars at this point. The goal is to provide additional input and help us build our program further. Austin (Green) has been instrumental in our growth thus far and will continue to be a valuable asset to Peterson Racing.”
Green, the son of former NASCAR O’Reilly Series champion David Green, ranks 24th in the series championship standings after recording a pair of top-10 finishes through the opening 16 races of the season. While it’s difficult for any driver to watch another driver get behind the wheel of their race car, Green is trying to remain positive.
“Of course, I am disappointed in not being in the car for a few races, but I welcome Nick to the team,” Green said. “Doug Peterson has done a lot to get this organization to this point, and I am committed to helping with our continued growth. I will be in Pocono, Chicago, Atlanta, and Indianapolis to learn and help the team any way I can.”
