Ryan Ellis and Young’s Motorsports are parting ways following the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season, the team announced Wednesday. The 36-year-old is in his first and ultimately only season with the organization driving the No. 02 Chevrolet Camaro SS.
Assuming Ellis remains full-time in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2027, it could be his fourth race team in as many years. Ellis competed for Alpha Prime Racing from 2022 to 2024, then for DGM Racing in 2025. This year he moved to the expansion No. 02 team with Young’s Motorsports.
“Ryan has been a tremendous ambassador for Young’s Motorsports, and we are grateful for everything he has brought to our organization this season,” said team owner Tyler Young. “He came into our program determined to help us succeed, and that commitment has never wavered. Ryan has worked incredibly hard with our guys, represented Young’s Motorsports professionally and brought some tremendous partners and people into our family.
In an interview with ATYL Media on Wednesday, Ryan Ellis recalled recent conversations between his management group and Young’s Motorsports ahead of a second-year driver option in his contract.
“I really like these people, I really appreciate everything they did,” Ellis said of his soon-t0-be-former team. “When you look at what they surrounded me with and the money they invested, the people they invested in, the people they surrounded me with, it was awesome.”
Finishing Out 2026
Through 26 races, Ryan Ellis is 27th in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series points standings. He is the lowest of all full-time drivers in the series. Still, the year has brought its share of encouraging signs, most notably when Ellis recorded a career-best sixth-place finish at Daytona International Speedway in February. When the series returned to Daytona in August, Ellis finished 17th – his second top-20 result of the season.
“While our paths will be different in 2027, there is nothing but respect and appreciation for Ryan and everything we have accomplished together,” Young continued. “Everyone at Young’s Motorsports wishes him nothing but success with whatever comes next. Most importantly, though, we’re not finished yet. We still have races remaining together this season, and our focus is on giving Ryan everything we can to compete for strong finishes and hopefully create a few more memorable moments together before the year is over.”
What’s Next for Ryan Ellis
Though several key details are still being finalized, Ellis said Wednesday that he has a full-time O’Reilly Auto Parts Series opportunity lined up for 2027. He says sponsorship is in place for more than half of the season. Formerly a journeyman free agent, Ellis is in his fourth straight season of full-time racing looking to move into his fifth.
“[We] just found an opportunity that made a lot of sense,” Ellis said. “It wasn’t an easy decision, I don’t think it ever is. I think Young’s Motorsports has ridiculously high potential.”
