Garage 66 is gearing up for an electrifying 2026 NASCAR season, and team owner Carl Long is pulling back the curtain on an ambitious strategy that promises to shake up the racing landscape. In a revealing interview on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Long discussed the team’s goals for the upcoming season, including their plans for the prestigious Daytona 500 and a bold expansion into the Truck Series under the banner of MBM Motorsports.
This past season was anything but ordinary for the team. Initially, they aimed to field veteran driver Mike Wallace, 65, for the Daytona 500, but their hopes were dashed when Wallace was denied entry due to a lengthy absence from the sport. In a scramble to secure a suitable replacement, the team turned to rising star Chandler Smith, who unfortunately faced a setback after crashing in the Duels, leaving them without a driver for the marquee event.
Throughout the season, Garage 66 showcased a rotating roster of talent, including Chad Finchum, David Starr, and Josh Bilicki, who all took turns behind the wheel. Casey Mears, a stalwart in NASCAR, capped off the season by participating in the final three races, achieving a noteworthy 18th-place finish at Talladega, which marked his 500th start in the Cup Series.
Looking ahead, NASCAR insider Joseph Srigley reported that Long has outlined plans for Garage 66 to compete in approximately 26 Cup Series events throughout 2026, with a lineup of diverse drivers. The No. 66 car will make its mark at the iconic Bowman-Gray Stadium for The Clash, featuring either Josh Bilicki or Chad Finchum behind the wheel.
Long also confirmed that Casey Mears will take the helm for the highly anticipated Daytona 500, adding another layer of excitement to the team’s campaign. In a strategic move, Garage 66 is expanding into the Truck Series, having acquired trucks from Front Row Motorsports, including the very vehicle that propelled Chandler Smith to victory at North Wilkesboro. Tyler Tomassi is set to drive at Daytona, with additional announcements about the Truck Series program expected soon.
A significant transformation is underway for MBM Motorsports as well, which has rebranded to Garage 66 starting in 2025. This shift isn’t just cosmetic; it reflects a deeper commitment to quality and performance. The team is operating under a streamlined operation, utilizing its in-house engine program, Power Source LLC, while continuing its presence in the Xfinity Series.
Long articulated the rationale behind the rebranding, stating, “We are rebranding our NASCAR Cup Series entry to Garage 66. The new name and logo reflect the streamlining of our team to fewer people with higher standards. We want to deliver great race cars to each track we compete at and produce solid finishes with fewer mistakes.”
This renewed focus on quality is accompanied by fresh investment in the team, ensuring they have the resources needed to compete at the highest level. The No. 66 Ford Mustang Dark Horse will be the flagship vehicle for the independent outfit, which has also engaged in innovative promotional efforts, such as Josh Bilicki’s recent Cup start at Bristol Motor Speedway, where he raised awareness for testicular cancer in partnership with Manscaped.
With a clear vision and a robust plan in place, Garage 66 is poised to make a significant impact in the NASCAR landscape as they approach the 2026 season. NASCAR enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating how this rebranded team will navigate the challenges ahead and what surprises they may have in store on the track.
