Ford Gains New Ally: Hettinger Racing Steps Up for 2026
Just when the Blue Oval camp started looking a little thin for the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, a new challenger has emerged from the short tracks to carry the banner. In a move that breathes fresh life into the manufacturer’s lineup, Hettinger Racing dropped a bombshell on Tuesday: they are going full-time next season, and they are doing it with Ford.
For fans who have been anxiously watching teams like Haas Factory Team and RSS Racing migrate over to the Chevrolet camp, this news feels like a much-needed exhale. The departure of those organizations left a noticeable void in the Ford roster, sparking plenty of garage talk about who, if anyone, would step up to fill the gap. Now, we have our answer.
From Regional Roots to the National Stage
This isn’t just a business transaction; it’s the realization of a racer’s dream. Chris Hettinger, the man behind the operation, isn’t a newcomer looking for a hobby. His team cut its teeth in the gritty world of Late Models and the zMAX CARS Tour Series. If you know anything about regional short track racing, you know it’s a crucible that forges tough competitors.
Hettinger Racing dipped a toe in the water last year with a single Truck Series start, but 2026 marks a massive leap of faith. They will be fielding the No. 5 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for the entire campaign.
“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. You can hear the determination in that statement. This isn’t about just showing up to collect a check; it’s about proving they belong on the grid on Sundays.
Power Under the Hood: The Roush Yates Connection
One of the biggest hurdles for any new team is horsepower. You can have the best driver in the world, but if the engine isn’t up to snuff, you’re just turning laps. Hettinger Racing didn’t leave this to chance.
The team has secured a technical alliance with Ford Racing and, crucially, will be running Roush Yates Engines. That is a game-changer. Having that kind of proven power under the hood of the No. 5 Mustang immediately elevates their ceiling.
Doug Yates, a man who has seen his fair share of teams come and go, seems genuinely bought in on Hettinger’s vision. “I’ve been impressed by what Chris Hettinger has already built,” Yates noted. “Chris is a racer and a very good businessman who is taking a smart and methodical approach to 2026.”
Hearing a heavyweight like Yates describe the approach as “smart and methodical” should give Ford fans a reason to smile. It suggests this isn’t a flash-in-the-pan effort, but a program built for sustainability.
Building the Brain Trust
A fast car needs a sharp mind on the pit box, and Hettinger Racing made a savvy move in that department as well. They’ve brought on Joe Williams Jr. to oversee competition. Williams isn’t walking in blind.
He spent the 2025 season calling the shots for Parker Retzlaff at Alpha Prime Racing. He knows the flow of a race weekend, the pressure of the pit wall, and the nuances of these cars. Handing him the keys to the competition department provides a layer of stability that a rookie team desperately needs.
Securing a Spot on the Grid
Perhaps the shrewdest move Hettinger made was acquiring the owner points from the No. 70 Cope Family Racing team. They finished 31st in the standings last year. Does that guarantee them a starting spot in the Daytona 500? No. The prestigious season opener is a beast of its own. However, having those points provides a critical safety net.
It gives them a margin for error that a brand-new entry starting from zero simply wouldn’t have. In the high-stakes qualifying game, the points acquired allow the team to breathe a little easier as they prepare for the trip to Florida.
What’s Next for the Ford Entry?
There are still puzzle pieces left to place. We don’t yet know who will be gripping the steering wheel of the No. 5 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, nor whose logos will adorn the quarter panels. The team has indicated those announcements are coming down the pipe before the series heads to Rockingham Speedway for testing in late January.
For now, the focus is on the shop floor in Mooresville, NC, where the fleet is being prepped. For the Ford faithful, this is a win. It shores up the manufacturer’s presence and brings a hungry, grassroots organization to the big stage. 2026 just got a lot more interesting, so fasten your seatbelts.
