International NASCAR prospect lands seat after – Sports News
NASCAR newcomers Barrett-Cope Racing have made the daring transfer to put Baltazar Leguizamón behind the wheel of their No. 30 Chevrolet Camaro for a minimum of 10 NASCAR O’Reilly’s Auto Parts Series races in 2026.
The 25-year-old Argentine has little stock car racing expertise to his identify, having did not qualify for CHK Racing in what would have been his collection debut in 2023 at Circuit of the Americas, earlier than a mechanical concern brought about him to retire whereas representing Joey Gase Motorsports on the similar occasion in 2025.
But what Leguizamón lacks in NASCAR expertise, he may but make up for in open-wheeled nous, competing in collection such because the Formula 4 United States Championship, F3 Americas Championship, through which he completed second in 2018, and the Atlantic Championship, which he received the identical yr.
Should all go to plan, Leguizamón will change into the primary Argentine to take part in a number of NASCAR races, together with his participation at Circuit of the Americas, Martinsville Speedway and Watkins Glen International already confirmed.
Exactly which different tracks Leguizamón will compete at stays to be seen; nonetheless, the group’s assertion did be aware that they are going to “primarily” be ovals. The overarching objective is to help the Argentine earn his full NASCAR license, which the press release described as “a key step in consolidating his continuity and long-term projection within the series.”
“I am very pleased to be working with Baltazar for the 2026 O’Reilly Auto Parts series season,” group co-owner and long-time Cup Series driver Derrike Cope stated.
“He is a very accomplished road racer, and he is a driven individual with a great deal of desire to succeed in NASCAR. Together we will provide all the necessary elements for Baltazar to showcase his talents against some of the best in the sport. Our focus will be on the oval racetracks to acquire all the experience possible that will enable him to become a stable fixture in NASCAR for years to come!”
This pleasure was mirrored by fellow group proprietor and ex-NASCAR driver, Stanton Barrett, who stated he was “excited that our vision as a team has come together with opportunities to provide a sound racing organization to support the expansion of talent from Argentina with Baltazar that will allow him to cultivate a successful career in NASCAR.
“Cope and myself look forward to coaching while providing him the equipment to be competitive in the exciting O’Reilly series.”
The tools in query might be powered by an Earnhardt-Childress Racing engine, whereas Team Chevrolet can also be set to help the newcomers with each technical and engineering help.
The group was fashioned by the merger of Cope Family Racing and Stanton Barrett Motorsports, with their race store positioned in Mooresville, North Carolina.
Last season, CFR’s full-time Xfinity Series entry was pushed by Leland Honeyman, Thomas Annunziata, and Will Rodgers. The No. 70 reached a high of eighth twice, because of Honeyman.
Stay forward of the sport with the most recent developments within the sports activities world! Our web site is your final vacation spot for sports activities information, delivering complete updates, in-depth analyses, and skilled insights into the fast-evolving realm of athletics. We deliver you each day protection on the whole lot from breakthrough coaching techniques and rising group methods to main bulletins which can be setting the tempo within the sports activities industry.
Discover how these trends are redefining the aggressive panorama! Visit us often for participating and informative content material by clicking right here. Our meticulously curated articles cowl game-changing techniques, investment alternatives in sports activities, and key milestones in right now’s dynamic athletic area.
