Young's Motorsports expands NASCAR O'Reilly team, signs Ryan Ellis

Young's Motorsports signed Ryan Ellis to drive the No. 02 Chevrolet for the team in the 2026 NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts season (rebranded Xfinity Series).

The team already runs the No. 42 car full-time as well, with Leland Honeyman driving the car in 2024 before being replaced by Anthony Alfredo in 2025.

Ellis was driving the No. 71 this past season for DGM Racing, ending the year 28th in the championship standings. The 35-year-old has 164 starts in NASCAR's secondary division, but scored his first top ten earlier this year with an eighth-place finish at Charlotte.

This new deal with Young's Motorsports is for multiple years with Tablo TV serving as a major sponsor of the effort.

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“I’m really excited about the opportunity to join Young’s Motorsports beginning with the 2026 season,” said Ellis in a release from the team.

“It’s a team that’s continuing to grow and build its identity in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and I feel like I can be a big part of that process. I’ve always believed that the people you surround yourself with make the biggest difference, and I’m confident this group has the drive and passion to make big strides together.”

Young's Motorsports ended 2025 24th in the driver standings with Alfredo. The team's best result is courtesy of Honeyman, who finished fourth at Talladega in 2024.

Monday's news did not include any details regarding Young's 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series plans. They have two wins in the Truck Series, where they have competed since 2012.

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