Ryan Ellis officially has a new home for the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season. In an announcement at the NASCAR Hall of Fame on Monday afternoon, Young’s Motorsports officially introduced Ellis as a full-time driver for the organization, beginning with the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway.
Related: 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Driver | Team Chart
The agreement between Ellis and the Young’s Motorsports team is a multi-year driving contract, and the team feels Ellis is a perfect fit for what they’re building in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Ryan to Young’s Motorsports,” said team principal Tyler Young. “He brings a wealth of experience, professionalism, and determination that aligns perfectly with the direction we’re taking as a team. Ryan is exactly the kind of driver we want representing our organization, someone who’s respected, understands the grind it takes to compete at this level, and consistently gets the most out of his equipment.”
The 2026 season will mark the third full-time effort of Ellis’ hard-earned NASCAR National Series journey. Ellis, 35, is elated to join a hard-working team that continues to grow within the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series ranks.
“I’m really excited about the opportunity to join Young’s Motorsports beginning with the 2026 season,” Ellis said. “It’s a team that’s continuing to grow and build its identity in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and I feel like I can be a big part of that process. I’ve always believed that the people you surround yourself with make the biggest difference, and I’m confident this group has the drive and passion to make big strides together.”
Tablo TV, which has served as a primary sponsorship partner for Ellis since the 2024 season, will return as the anchor partner for the driver at Young’s Motorsports. According to a press release, Tablo will serve as an 11-race primary sponsorship partner for Ellis in 2026, and the company will return to sponsor Ellis in 2027.
“We’re thrilled to extend our partnership with Ryan Ellis through the 2026 and 2027 NASCAR seasons,” said Alicia Hackett, Vice President of Sales and Partnerships at Tablo TV. “Ryan has been an incredible ambassador for Tablo TV, and he embodies so many of our brand’s values. He’s creative, authentic, and has a passion for TV and sports entertainment. He always brings fresh ideas to the table, from our themed car designs to fan-driven campaigns and promotions.”
In addition to Tablo TV, several other primary sponsorship partners for Ellis were revealed on Monday.
Sweetwater Construction will serve as a four-race primary sponsorship partner in 2026, and a new partner, Demco Products, will adorn Ellis’ race car in three events in 2026. Four Loko, Eclipse Claims, and ROSCH will be among the other sponsorship partners that will be tied to Ellis and the Young’s Motorsports team in 2026, but those partnerships will be fully revealed at a later date.
At the end of the day, the goal for Ellis and Young’s Motorsports is clear moving forward.
“Our goal for 2026 and beyond is simple: keep improving every weekend and build something sustainable together,” Ellis said. “Young’s Motorsports has been putting in the work to establish itself in this series, and I want to help take that next step. If we can stay consistent, run competitively every week, and continue to close the gap to the front, the results will follow. It’s about progress, chemistry, and execution. I’m ready to get started.”
Tyler Young agrees.
“Our goal is to continue strengthening our presence in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and having Ryan behind the wheel gives us the continued leadership and consistency we need to take that next step in 2026 and beyond,” Young said.
Ellis will get behind the wheel of the No. 02 Chevrolet in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2026. The team’s crew chief, and other unannounced team assets will be announced at a later date.
Ellis’ tenure at DGM Racing lasted one season, and ahead of the green flag of the next-to-last race of the season at Martinsville Speedway, DGM Racing let the cat out of the bag that Ellis would not return for the 2026 season.
Young’s Motorsports, which fielded the No. 42 Chevrolet for Anthony Alfredo in 2025, has not announced whether Alfredo will return to the team in 2026, which leaves open the possibility that the Young’s Motorsports team could potentially have Alfredo back in the fold next season in their second entry.
Alfredo, who picked up one top-10 finish last season, ended the year 24th in the NASCAR Xfinity Series championship standings behind the wheel of the No. 42 machine.
