Full Breakdown
RSS Racing Shifts to Chevrolet for 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series
11/19/2025, 6:24:26 PM
Major Manufacturer Change and Alliance Continuation
RSS Racing has officially announced its transition from Ford Racing to Chevrolet for the upcoming 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season. This shift aligns with the Haas Factory Team's recent move to Chevrolet, ensuring that RSS Racing will continue its long-standing partnership with Haas. The team will operate out of the Haas Factory Team's facility in Kannapolis, North Carolina, and will utilize Hendrick Motorsports engines in their vehicles. RSS Racing plans to field two full-time entries, with brothers Ryan Sieg and Kyle Sieg driving the No. 39 and No. 28 cars, respectively.
Team Structure and Sponsorship
Ryan Sieg, 38, will retain his crew chief, Matt Noyce, for the 2026 season. Noyce has been instrumental in achieving 23 top-five finishes and 75 top-10 finishes over Ryan's 400 career starts in the series. Kyle Sieg, 24, will have a new crew chief, Aedan McHugh, who previously worked with the No. 70 Cope Family Racing Team. SciAps will continue as the primary sponsor for Ryan Sieg's No. 39 car, while Night Owl Companies and Sustainachem are expected to sponsor Kyle Sieg's No. 28 entry.
Implications of the Manufacturer Switch
The switch to Chevrolet is seen as a strategic move for RSS Racing, which has faced challenges in recent seasons. The team aims to leverage the technical support and resources available through the Haas Factory Team and Hendrick Motorsports to improve their performance. This change comes amid a broader trend in the NASCAR landscape, where teams are reevaluating their alliances and partnerships to enhance competitiveness.
Criticism and Industry Impact
The departure from Ford has raised concerns about the manufacturer's diminishing presence in the Xfinity Series, as key teams like RSS Racing shift allegiance to Chevrolet. This transition could potentially weaken Ford's competitive edge in the series, as it now faces a reduced number of teams aligned with its brand. Jeremy Clements, owner of Jeremy Clements Racing, expressed optimism about the new alliance with Haas, highlighting the opportunities it presents for both teams.
Upcoming Season Outlook
The 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series is set to commence on February 14, 2026. With the new manufacturer alliance and crew chief changes, both Ryan and Kyle Sieg will look to capitalize on the enhanced support and resources to improve their standings in the series. The upcoming season will be pivotal for RSS Racing as they aim to break through and achieve greater success on the track.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We’ve always fought hard as a single-car team, but this is a major opportunity for us, and partnering with the Haas Factory Team means a lot. We’re excited for what’s ahead!” — Jeremy Clements, Owner of Jeremy Clements Racing
- “The driver, who has been building speed in recent years, has recorded a top-10 finish in each of the last four seasons, and with the elevated alliance with Haas Factory Team, it’ll be interesting to see if Kyle can take another step forward in his driving career.” — Source Unspecified
This strategic shift marks a significant moment for RSS Racing as they prepare for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the 2026 season.
