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Hettinger Racing Confirms Full-Time 2026 O’Reilly Series Bid With Ford Support

The Ford-backed No. 5 secured a Daytona start by purchasing Cope Family Racing’s owner points, with driver and sponsors to be named before January testing.

Overview

  • Hettinger Racing will run the full 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series schedule with the No. 5 Ford Mustang Dark Horse.
  • Ford Racing will provide technical support and Roush Yates Engines will supply power, with Doug Yates publicly backing the program.
  • Veteran crew chief Joe Williams Jr. joins from Alpha Prime Racing to lead the No. 5 effort after recent success guiding Parker Retzlaff.
  • The team acquired owner points from Cope Family Racing’s No. 70, guaranteeing a spot in the Feb. 14 season opener at Daytona International Speedway.
  • Driver and commercial partners will be announced before the late-January open test at Rockingham, and the team says cars are already prepared for the first four events.