Ross Chastain has confirmed a part-time schedule for the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, joining Jordan Anderson Racing to drive the No. 32 Chevrolet in four races. This announcement comes as Chastain balances a full-time role in the Cup Series with Trackhouse Racing. His races in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series will take place at notable venues, including EchoPark Speedway in Atlanta, Circuit of The Americas, Watkins Glen International, and Sonoma Raceway.
Team owner Jordan Anderson expressed enthusiasm about Chastain’s addition, stating, “We’re excited to welcome Ross to the #32 for these races. He’s a proven winner at the Cup level, but he’s also someone who understands what it takes to grow within a team and build results through hard work.” This partnership is expected to benefit the entire organization, leveraging Chastain’s extensive experience in competitive racing.
Chastain’s participation in the 2026 season will bring his total race count to 54, as he also competes in other series. Previously, JR Motorsports announced that he would participate in four races in the No. 9 Chevrolet, while Niece Motorsports has scheduled him for eight races in the No. 45 Silverado. Throughout all this, Chastain will drive the No. 1 Chevrolet in all 38 Cup races.
In 2025, Chastain recorded five starts in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, securing four top-five finishes. He aims to return to Victory Lane, having last won in the series in 2019. While the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series will be part of his focus, his primary commitment remains in the Cup Series.
Chastain is coming off a successful season in which he won the prestigious Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, earning him a spot in the playoffs. Despite a strong performance, he was eliminated after the Round of 12 cutoff race at the Charlotte ROVAL.
The upcoming season introduces a new championship format, replacing the previous win-and-in elimination style with a revamped “Chase” style. This new format will feature the top 16 highest-point earners throughout the regular season, culminating in a 10-race postseason to determine the champion. For Chastain and his competitors, consistency will be crucial as they navigate the season, requiring strategic decisions on race days.
As the 2026 season approaches, Chastain’s busy schedule across multiple series highlights his dedication and competitive spirit in the world of NASCAR racing. Fans and teams alike will be watching closely to see how he balances these commitments and performs across the various tracks.
