NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series
NASCAR's proving ground: tight racing, rising stars, and real grit.
2026 live
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The NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series is the sport's second-tier national series. It sits one step below the Cup Series and one step above the Craftsman Truck Series. Fans love it for close, aggressive racing and for the chance to see future stars before they're famous. Veteran drivers and full-time team regulars mix with up-and-comers, and the schedule covers short tracks, superspeedways, intermediates and road courses. It also tends to feel more relaxed and personal than a Cup weekend.
The series began in 1982 and has carried several names as title sponsors changed. Longtime fans know it as the Busch Series, and many also remember the Nationwide and Xfinity eras. The name on the banner changes, but the job stays the same: it's a major stepping stone to the top level of stock car racing. Plenty of Cup champions and fan favorites built their careers here, and they won races here before they moved up.
How it works
- Race weekends usually include practice and qualifying, which set the starting order for the race.
- Drivers race for a set number of laps, and the green-white-checkered rules can extend a race past its scheduled distance.
- Pit crews change tires and add fuel during caution periods and green-flag stops, and a quick stop can win or lose track position.
- Drivers earn points based on where they finish, and those points feed into the championship battle.
Standings
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2026 schedule
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Fan tips
- Pack ear protection. Even smaller fields are loud, and it's worth bringing a scanner or radio app to hear driver and crew chatter.
- Arrive early to watch practice and qualifying, when the crowds are smaller and the access is often better.
- Learn the teams and rising drivers. Many of tomorrow's Cup names are racing here today, so you can say you saw them first.
- Check this page for the live schedule, standings and broadcast info before you plan a race day.
Legends of NASCAR O'Reilly
Books, biographies and collectibles about the series' greats.
FAQ
How is this different from the NASCAR Cup Series?
It's the next level down. The cars look similar but are different machines, and teams typically work with smaller budgets. Many drivers here are working toward a Cup ride, while some Cup drivers also run select races.
Is this the same series as Busch, Nationwide and Xfinity?
Yes. It's the same series under different title sponsors over the years. The history, record book and role in NASCAR carry over from one name to the next.
Do Cup drivers race in this series?
Yes, many have over the years. NASCAR has adjusted the rules about how often Cup regulars can compete for series points, so check the current rules for details.
How do I follow a race weekend if I can't be at the track?
Use the live schedule, results and standings on this page, then check the official broadcast listings for where to watch. Many fans also follow live timing and radio coverage during the race.