RSS Racing has announced that it will switch to Chevrolet for the 2026 NASCAR season, ending its association with Ford engines and bodywork
10:03 ET, 21 Nov 2025Updated 10:04 ET, 21 Nov 2025
Haas Racing left Ford just before RSS(Image: Getty)
Ford is once again facing a setback as RSS Racing, one of the most established independent teams in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, has decided to part ways with Ford ahead of the 2026 season.
This follows the recent announcement by the Haas Factory Team about its departure, setting off a domino effect that leaves Ford with few, if any, full-time entries in the series. RSS Racing has confirmed its switch to Chevrolet for the 2026 NASCAR season, marking an end to its long-standing association with Ford engines and bodywork.
The team will continue racing the No. 38 car driven by Ryan Sieg and the No. 39 car driven by Kyle Sieg, both based in North Carolina. Last year, the Sieg brothers finished fifteenth and twenty-fifth respectively, thanks to their aggressive driving styles.
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This season, they’re partnering with a manufacturer that has been a dominant force in the O’Reilly Series for many years. The shift involves a significant technical upgrade, as both cars will be powered by Hendrick engines next season.
Chevrolet’s engine program has emerged as one of the most potent in the sport, with Hendrick Motorsports supplying its own teams and partnered programs, while ECR Engines handles the rest of the Chevrolet lineup.
The partnership between RSS Racing and Haas Factory Team is set to strengthen Chevrolet’s technical base.
Haas, which recently formed a technical alliance with Jeremy Clements Racing, is also transitioning from Ford to Chevrolet to work in tandem with RSS Racing under a unified development plan.
RSS is making the switch from Ford to Chevy(Image: Getty)
Last season, the only full-time representation of Ford in the O’Reilly Series was these two teams, along with AM Racing and Joe Gase Motorsports.
However, Ford still maintains a strong presence in the Cup Series, boasting a lineup last season that included big names like Joey Logano, Ryan Blaney, Austin Cindric, Josh Berry, Chris Buescher, Ryan Preece, Brad Keselowski, Todd Gilliland, Zane Smith, Cole Custer, Noah Gragson, and Cody Ware.
This loss of developmental depth in the O’Reilly Series is a significant blow. The pipeline that once included talents such as Sam Mayer, Sheldon Creed, and Harrison Burton will now be funneled through Chevrolet or Toyota instead.
Ryan and Kyle Siegs will be driving Chevrolets next season(Image: Getty)
In 2025, Ford’s O’Reilly roster concluded with Ryan Sieg ranking 15th and Kyle Sieg at 25th, supplemented by entries from Nick Leitz, Kole Raz, Tyler Tomassi, and Burton. This shift also puts pressure on Ford’s long-term development structure.
With no confirmed O’Reilly presence at this time, Ford may have to lean on its Cup teams to scout and develop talent, leaving a gap that rivals Chevrolet and Toyota could exploit. Fans were quick to react, with many questioning whether Ford can salvage any of its footprint.
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One fan expressed surprise at the absence of a development strategy, stating, “I’m kinda shocked RFK would not field a couple cars just for reps and development of younger employees, and they already have the engine program. Idk seems like a missed opportunity.”
Another fan highlighted the uncertainty around the Preece and RWR charter situation, commenting, “I do not really see them expanding for 2026 as long as the Preece RWR charter stuff is going on, but also, them expanding with Preece in the first place was a surprise, so we will see.”