Austin Green will be replaced by Nick Sanchez for four of the six upcoming races, confirmed Peterson Racing on June 1, 2026. The 25-year-old took to Instagram and detailed his feelings about the decision.
Austin Green made his NASCAR O’Reilly debut in 2024 with Jordan Anderson Racing and drove for a couple of seasons as a part-time entry. However, ahead of the 2026 season, he was signed full-time by Peterson Racing to drive the No. 87 Chevrolet. Green’s first full-time season hasn’t been anything to write home about, with just two Top 10 finishes, which came at Watkins Glen and Talladega.
Soon after the NASCAR weekend at Nashville Superspeedway, reports of Green being replaced started circling the paddock. Peterson Racing then came out and confirmed that Nick Sanchez has joined the team and will be replacing him in the No. 87 Chevrolet at Pocono, Chicago, Atlanta, and Indianapolis.
Austin Green dropped a post on Instagram, sharing his feelings about being replaced after joining as a full-time driver ahead of the 2026 season. He wrote,
“Unfortunately, I will not be competing in four of the next six races due to the team’s decision. While this is an unexpected pause during my first full-time season, I remain committed and will be at Pocono, Chicago, Atlanta, and Indianapolis supporting Nick and the entire team in any way I can.
However, he ended the message with a philosophical take and suggested everything happens for a reason.
“I trust God that everything happens for a reason. My focus remains on working hard and being ready for the opportunity to return to the No. 87 for the remainder of the season.”
Nick Sanchez made a name for himself after winning the 2022 ARCA Menards Series. He went on to race in the NASCAR Truck Series and joined Big Machine Racing as a full-time driver in the O’Reilly series in 2025.
Sanchez parted ways with his former team in unusual circumstances during the 2025 off-season. He then joined AM Racing ahead of the 2026 season, but the team shut down after just one race, leaving him without a seat.
Austin Green willing to help Peterson Racing despite being “disappointed” by their decision to replace him
Although Nick Sanchez is a more accomplished driver than Austin Green, it is understandable for the 25-year-old to be disappointed when he was signed on as a full-time entry for the 2026 season. Regardless, he stated that he will be traveling to the races where Sanchez will be driving the No. 87.
“Of course, I am disappointed in not being in the car for a few races, but I welcome Nick to the team. Doug Peterson has done a lot to get this organization to this point, and I am committed to helping with our continued growth. I will be in Pocono, Chicago, Atlanta and Indianapolis to learn and help the team any way I can.”
As per the official announcement, Nick Sanchez will be in the No. 87 Chevrolet at Pocono on June 13, Chicagoland on July 4, Atlanta on July 11, and Indianapolis on July 25. However, more races could be added to Sanchez’s roster.
