Viking Expands And Adds Alfredo: Is It The Right Move?

Viking made an exciting announcement: they’re adding a second car, the 96, and it’ll be driven by the talented Anthony Alfredo in 2026. They previously announced that they’ll be aligned with RCR and that another great driver, Retzlaff, will be driving their number ninety-nine.

But is Viking Rushing Things?

While the RCR alliance is the best thing that’s ever happened to this small team in its short history, whether it’s using this opportunity in the best possible way is another matter. Of course, the temptation is understandable.

They’re getting some of the best equipment and data they’ve ever had, and more money, too. So why not use it for a new ride? Well, there are a few reasons, even when you have two talented drivers behind the wheel of both Viking Motorsports cars.

The History of Teams Expanding Too Soon

Our Motorsports recently shut down in the middle of 2025, and when tracing back its downfall, it was their constant expansions and then de-expansions. Sure, they started with a full-time car and a part-time car.

But even then, they were smarter with it. Putting RC ringers like Lally and proven Cup guys like Reddick in the PT car while putting an ex truck series champion and proven veteran in Brett Moffitt, who got excellent results in that car!

But then 2022 happened, when they expanded to three cars. That year, they fired franchise guy Moffitt for lack of sponsorship. And had two of their three cars shut down despite a great start by Moffitt and a great year by Alfredo. Sponsorship issues and a bad year by Jeb Burton set the team back. And in 2025, three years later, the team shut down midseason.

Successful Teams Stick to Upgrading

Of course, ours is only one example, and their expansion is much more aggressive than Viking’s. But it’s one of many teams that had promising starts but shut down early because of aggressive expansion.

And you look at many of the most successful teams that started underfunded; they started by sticking with one or two cars and building those programs up. Like Furniture Row, which went to two cars early on. Sold the ’87 and stuck with the ’78 for years till they won a title.

Or Front Row, who started as start-and-park backmarkers. But they stuck to two cars for most of their history, and from there they built up, going from taking the last row to being the best midpack team and winning the Daytona 500 in 2021.

Another midpack team that upgraded to Daytona 500 winners was JTG, who went from winless to having four wins by sticking with only having the forty-seven for most of its history.

What Does This Mean for Viking Motorsports?

Well, as soon as it seems to be, this also gives us a reason to be optimistic. They could be building that solid foundation with the RCR alliance. The drivers they chose are both talented. Both are drivers with experience with midpack Xfinity Series teams.

And getting excellent results with their previous teams. Plus, Retzlaff has a great crew chief in Danny Efland. But again, if they’re so ready to jump the gun the moment they get that RCR cash, it is worrying. It could show that this is the next step, and they’re short-term thinkers.

Final Thoughts

But if RCR is really pumping that much more money into Viking Motorsports, then maybe Alfredo and Retzlaff can outdrive the Vikings’ Chevys and use that to build up a two-car operation that lasts years with tons of wins.Thanks a bunch for reading!