Young's Motorsports Charlotte Motor Speedway May Team Preview

3 hours ago
17 min read

Young’s Motorsports | NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series

Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway | Charbroil 300

Fast Facts

No. 02 Young’s Motorsports Team:

Driver: Ryan Ellis

Primary Partner(s): Four Loko USA

Manufacturer: Chevrolet Camaro

Crew Chief: Eddie Troconis

2026 Driver Points Position: 28th | 2026 Owner Points Position: 36th

Engine: Earnhardt-Childress Racing

● Year Three, Driven Forward: In November 2025, Ryan Ellis was announced as Young’s Motorsports’ full-time driver in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series as the organization enters its third season of competition.

In a significant step for 2026, Young’s Motorsports will transition its flagship No. 02 — long synonymous with the organization’s success in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series — to the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series full-time, underscoring the team’s continued growth at the national level.

Ellis will pilot the No. 02 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro across the full 33-race schedule, continuing with Saturday evening’s Charbroil 300 at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway and culminating with the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Championship Race at Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway in November.

● About Ryan: A respected veteran in the NASCAR garage, Ellis joins Young’s Motorsports with more than a decade of experience across NASCAR’s national ranks, including competition in the NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series.

The 2026 season will mark Ellis’ fourth full-time campaign in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.

The 35-year-old Virginia native is coming off his first career NASCAR top-10 finish in 2025 and looks to build on that momentum while continuing to expand his résumé, which includes 178 career starts in series competition.

Known for his consistency, professionalism, and versatility both behind the wheel and in the garage, Ellis aims to apply his experience to elevate Young’s Motorsports’ competitive presence in its third season of the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series competition.

● All-Aboard!: For the 15th of 33 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races this season, Young’s Motorsports welcomes Four Loko USA as the primary partner of the No. 02 Chevrolet Camaro for this 200-lap Memorial Day weekend event.

Four Loko is a global brand driven by bold ideas and relentless creativity.

Since its launch in 2005 by Phusion Projects, Four Loko has become a leader in the flavored malt beverage category.

From its origins as a bold idea among friends to a global phenomenon, Four Loko is now available in over 40 countries and at major retailers like Walmart, Seven-Eleven, and Circle K across the United States.

Four Loko remains resilient, fearless, and unapologetically fun as the leading brand fueling unforgettable nights and creating epic stories. Here's to living life boldly.

For more information, visit us at fourloko.com

● Quench Your Thirst Responsibly: As the holiday weekend approaches, did you know that Phusion Projects, founded in 2005, is a global alcoholic beverage company with a presence in more than 40 countries? Employing more than 250 people worldwide, the company houses a portfolio of brands including Four Loko, Four Loko Pregame and Mamitas Tequila Seltzer.

Phusion's commitment to innovation and boundary-pushing extends beyond its products to its company culture, where creativity thrives and partnerships flourish.

Phusion Projects continues to set new standards in the beverage industry while staying true to its mission of creating the next big thing for drinkers worldwide.

For more information, visit us at phusionprojects.com.

● Watch More. Miss Less. Tablo TV.: Continuing its partnership with Young’s Motorsports and Ryan Ellis, Tablo TV will serve as an associate partner for the first of two NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 2026.

Tablo provides fans with an affordable way to access live, local broadcast television — including racing and other major sporting events — without a monthly subscription.

Through a simple setup that includes a Tablo device and antenna, viewers can enjoy major networks such as NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, ION and The CW, along with recording functionality and multi-device streaming capability.

With just a one-time device purchase of about $100, an antenna, internet connection and the free Tablo TV app, customers can watch live, local broadcast coverage of racing, local news, live sports, classic shows and more for free.

Families can stream on multiple devices at once, making it easy to catch the big race in one room and a show in another. Simple, affordable, and endlessly entertaining — Tablo TV brings America’s most popular TV back to fans for free.

All NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series races will be broadcast live on The CW, and practices and qualifying can be streamed on The CW App. The CW can be watched, paused and recorded on Tablo TV, a subscription-free way to access 125+ broadcast and streaming channels.

Content and channels are subject to availability in your area.

Nuvyyo USA, a wholly owned subsidiary of The E.W. Scripps Company, is a successful technology company re-inventing the over-the-air television experience for the streaming age.

Tablo and Tablo TV are trademarks of Nuvyyo USA, LLC. All third-party trademarks, including logos, are the property of their respective owners.

For more information, visit TabloTV.com.

● Ryan Ellis O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Charlotte Motor Speedway Stats: Saturday evening’s battle just outside the Queen City will mark Ellis’s sixth NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series start at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway, a fast 1.5-mile oval that has continued to deliver action-packed side-by-side racing year after year.

In his previous five outings at the Concord, N.C.-based track, Ellis delivered a track and then career-best finish of eighth after starting 30th in the spring edition of the BETMGM 300, while driving for DGM Racing.

Overall, he holds an average NOAPS finish of 19.6 at the popular venue.

Further bolstering his Charlotte résumé, Ellis has made one start in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series since 2014, earning a track-best 27th in the North Carolina Education Lottery 200 for FDNY Racing.

This weekend’s events are part of a marquee Memorial Day weekend triple-header at the iconic 1.5-mile Charlotte Motor Speedway, beginning Friday night, May 22, with the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, followed by the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series on Saturday, and culminating Sunday, May 24, with NASCAR’s longest race of the year, the Coca-Cola 600.

One of the most patriotic weekends in all of motorsports, Charlotte Motor Speedway transforms into the center of the racing world during Memorial Day weekend, honoring the men and women who have served while delivering one of NASCAR’s most prestigious and grueling race weekends.

Known for its high speeds, worn racing surface and multiple racing grooves, Charlotte Motor Speedway presents one of the toughest intermediate-track challenges on the NASCAR schedule.

The 1.5-mile quad-oval places a premium on balance, tire management and long-run speed, especially as changing track temperatures from day to night can dramatically affect handling conditions throughout the race.

Drivers must navigate turbulent air, aggressive restarts and heavy traffic while maintaining discipline over extended green-flag runs where track position and pit strategy often determine the outcome.

The demanding and fan-friendly nature of the Memorial Day weekend schedule, paired with the atmosphere surrounding the Coca-Cola 600 festivities, creates an energy unlike any other stop on the NASCAR calendar.

Ryan Ellis and Young’s Motorsports look to capitalize at Charlotte Motor Speedway as the No. 02 team continues its push through the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series campaign.

With another pivotal race weekend ahead, Ellis aims to continue building momentum while showcasing the organization’s growth and determination at the national level.

● Ryan Ellis NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Career Stats: Entering Charlotte, Ellis has 178 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races to his credit, earning a career-best sixth-place finish after starting 32nd in the 2026 edition of the United Rentals 300 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway for Young’s Motorsports.

Since his 2012 debut, Ellis has averaged a 26.6 finish in series competition, including the past three seasons running full-time.

● Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway | BetRivers 200 Race Recap: The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series made its traditional stop at the “Monster Mile” this past weekend for its annual visit to the one-mile concrete oval nestled in Dover, Del.

After starting 32nd, Ryan Ellis and the No. 02 Sweetwater Construction Chevrolet showed much more speed than the finishing result reflected.

Ellis methodically worked his way through the field and spent portions of Stage 2 and Stage 3 battling inside the top-20 before the handling shifted dramatically during the final run — potentially related to the team’s last set of tires — ultimately leaving the team with a 25th-place finish at the checkered flag.

Despite the disappointing result, Ellis remained encouraged by the pace shown throughout the race and praised the effort from the Young’s Motorsports team during the NASCAR

O’Reilly Auto Parts Series’ annual visit to Dover Motor Speedway.

Ellis delivered his third-best career NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series finish at Dover Motor Speedway in 11 starts at the “Monster Mile.”

His 25th-place result matched his previous best at the one-mile concrete oval, which came in 2023 while driving for Alpha Prime Racing.

Now, Ellis and Young’s Motorsports quickly shift their focus to Charlotte Motor Speedway, where the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series continues its 2026 campaign during one of the sport’s biggest and most prestigious weekends as the series nears the halfway point of the season.

● Calling the Shots: Guiding Ryan Ellis as crew chief of the No. 02 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro is longtime crew chief, engineer and industry veteran Eddie Troconis.

On Saturday, Troconis will call his 36th NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race from atop the pit box. In his previous 35 starts, he has recorded two top-10 finishes, most recently in the 2026 season-opener at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway.

The season’s 15th race will mark his second O’Reilly Auto Parts Series event at Charlotte Motor Speedway and his first since 2021, when he guided series veteran Josh Williams to a respectable 21st-place finish in the Alsco Uniforms 300.

Additionally, Troconis has four NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series starts at Charlotte, earning a track-best fifth-place finish with driver Ben Rhodes in 2018.

● Young's Motorsports' NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Overview at Charlotte Motor Speedway: This weekend’s Charbroil 300 will mark Young’s Motorsports’ third and fourth NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series starts at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

In the organization’s previous appearances at the popular 1.5-mile oval, rookie Leland Honeyman Jr. delivered the team’s strongest performance during its inaugural season in 2024.

After qualifying 25th, Honeyman showcased a steady presence in his debut at the track dubbed “America’s Home for Racing,” earning a respectable 23rd-place finish.

Beyond its growing résumé in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, the Mooresville, N.C.-based organization also brings valuable experience to Charlotte through its NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series program.

Since 2013, Young’s Motorsports has recorded 25 Truck Series starts at Charlotte Motor Speedway, highlighted by a track-best 13th-place finish from veteran dirt racer Tyler Dippel in the 2019 North Carolina Education Lottery 200.

Across those appearances, the organization owns an average starting position of 23.0 and an average finishing position of 25.3, continuing to build experience at one of NASCAR’s most demanding intermediate tracks.

● Young's Motorsports' NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series History: Since entering the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2024, the family-owned organization has logged 94 starts and earned one top-five and four top-10 finishes while maintaining an average starting position of 27.5 and an average finish of 24.9.

● Follow on Social Media: For more on Ryan Ellis, please visit ryanellisracing.com, like him on Facebook (Ryan Ellis), and follow him on Instagram (@ryanellisracing), TikTok (@ryanellisracing), and X | Twitter (@ryanellisracing).

For more on Young’s Motorsports, please visit YoungsMotorsports.com , like them on Facebook (Young’s Motorsports), and follow them on Instagram (@youngsmotorsports) and X |Twitter (@youngsmtrsports).

Ryan Ellis Quoteboard:

On Charlotte Motor Speedway: “Charlotte Motor Speedway is one of the toughest intermediate tracks we go to because the conditions change so much throughout the race.

“You start during the day and end at night, so your car has to keep up with the track as it cools down. It’s a place that really challenges drivers and teams to stay on top of the balance all night long.

“Memorial Day weekend at Charlotte is always special because of the atmosphere and everything surrounding the Coca-Cola 600 weekend. It’s one of the biggest stages in NASCAR, and I’m looking forward to getting back there with Young’s Motorsports and Four Loko this weekend.”

On Keys to Success at Charlotte Motor Speedway: “Charlotte Motor Speedway is all about execution and keeping up with the track throughout the race.

“You have to be able to maintain track position, make smart adjustments and stay disciplined on the long runs because the handling can change a lot from the start of the race to the finish.

“With how competitive this series is right now, little things make a huge difference at a place like Charlotte. If we can qualify well, stay on top of the balance and execute on pit road, I think we’ll put ourselves in a good position to have a solid night.”

On Goals for Charlotte Motor Speedway: “Our goal this weekend is to put together a complete race and continue building momentum as we get closer to the halfway point of the season.

“We’ve shown more speed lately, and I think our finishes haven’t always reflected the effort or potential we’ve had as a team.

“Charlotte is a big opportunity for us on one of NASCAR’s biggest weekends. If we can stay clean, execute throughout the race and keep ourselves in position during the final stage, I think we’re capable of coming away with a strong finish for Young’s Motorsports and Four Loko.”

On Returning to the Site of First Career NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Top-10 Finish: “Charlotte Motor Speedway will always be a meaningful track to me because it’s where I scored my first career NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series top-10 finish last May.

“Anytime you go back to a place where you’ve had a milestone moment like that, it gives you a little extra confidence and motivation. It’s one of the biggest race weekends of the year and one of the tracks every driver wants to perform well at.

“Hopefully, we can take what we’ve learned recently, put together a strong weekend and give Young’s Motorsports and Four Loko something to be proud of.”

On Racing on Memorial Day Weekend: "I've always felt Memorial Day weekend carries a responsibility beyond the race itself.

“We get to do what we love because of the sacrifices made by generations of service members. Taking a moment to remember those who gave everything and the families they left behind is incredibly important, and it's something I'll carry with me every lap this weekend."

On Continued Partnership with Four Loko USA: “I’m excited to have Four Loko back with me again this year and this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway with Young’s Motorsports.

“They’ve continued to be an awesome partner for our team and a brand that really embraces the fun and energy surrounding one of NASCAR’s biggest weekends of the year.

“Memorial Day weekend at Charlotte is such a huge stage for our sport, and it’s great to represent a brand like Four Loko that continues to support our program and connect with race fans. Hopefully, we can put together a strong run and give them a solid result on Saturday night.”

On 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Goals: “As we get closer to the halfway point of the season, our focus is continuing to build momentum and turn the speed we’ve shown into stronger finishes.

“I think there’s been a lot of progress behind the scenes, even if the results haven’t always reflected it. The communication continues to improve, the chemistry within the team is getting stronger and we’ve definitely unloaded with more speed compared to where we started the year.

“For us, it’s about putting together complete races and continuing to execute throughout the weekend. If we can keep improving on the small details, qualify better and stay in position during the final stages of these races, I really believe the results we’re capable of are going to come.”

No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Team:

Driver: Nathan Byrd

Primary Partner(s): 24 HR Garage Door Service

Manufacturer: Chevrolet Camaro

Crew Chief: Andrew Abbott

2026 Driver Points Position: 36th | 2026 Owner Points Position: 32nd

Engine: Earnhardt-Childress Racing

● Year Three, Driven Forward: Young’s Motorsports continues its campaign in the newly rebranded NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, looking to build momentum with its expanding two-car effort as the season rolls on at Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend.

Fan-favorite and open-wheel standout Nathan Byrd returns to the organization and will pilot the No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro in the 15th of 33 races on the 2026 schedule.

● About Nathan: Byrd, 26, began racing go-karts in 2018, just after graduating High School, and he entered his first car race in February 2020.

Since then, the Goodyear, Ariz. native has raced over 30 types of cars in 348 total races at 67 different race tracks, effectively becoming one of the most diverse and interesting race car drivers in the world.

Completing more than 300 races in the first four years of his career, Byrd is no stranger to piloting race cars.

In 2024, the Indianapolis, Ind. resident turned his attention to NASCAR. He successfully made his NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series debut at Portland International Raceway and delivered a respectable 21st-place finish for DGM Racing.

In September 2024, Byrd made his NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series debut at Kansas Speedway, earning a respectable 19th-place finish after starting 32nd.

Last year, Byrd continued his foray into the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, making 15 starts for Young’s Motorsports. His campaign was highlighted by three top-15 finishes, including a career-best 14th-place result in back-to-back races at Rockingham Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway, respectively.

Byrd’s most recent NASCAR national series start came during his eighth career NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Kansas Speedway. He has made additional NOAPS starts this season at Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway, Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway, Darlington (S.C.) Raceway and Rockingham (N.C.) Speedway respectively.

● All-Aboard! For the 15th of 33 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races this season, Young’s Motorsports welcomes 24 HR Garage Door Service as the primary partner on the No. 42 Chevrolet Camaro for Saturday’s 200-lap event.

At 24 HR Garage Door Service, our mission is to provide everyday working people outstanding service at your doorstep. We ensure quality, satisfaction, and dedication to each and every customer.

24 HR Garage Door Service sets the standard in excellence for commercial and residential garage door service.

Whenever you or your company requires commercial or residential door services, we are your one-stop shop for quality service.

In order to reach our goals and set the standard in this industry, we ensure to apply our skills in sales, services, and emergency repairs at every opportunity.

We will continue to provide the highest-quality customer support that has allowed us to grow into the company we are.

Locally owned and operated, our goal is to give the best to the best community.

● Nathan Byrd O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Charlotte Motor Speedway Stats: Saturday evening’s battle just outside the Queen City will mark Byrd’s NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series debut at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway, a fast 1.5-mile oval that has continued to deliver action-packed side-by-side racing year after year.

Known for its high speeds, worn racing surface and multiple racing grooves, Charlotte Motor Speedway presents one of the toughest intermediate-track challenges on the NASCAR schedule.

Nathan Byrd and Young’s Motorsports look to make the most of their opportunity at Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend as the organization continues to build momentum and a notebook throughout the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season.

With Charlotte Motor Speedway presenting one of the toughest intermediate-track tests on the NASCAR schedule, the Memorial Day weekend event offers Nathan Byrd an opportunity to continue gaining valuable experience with Young’s Motorsports while showcasing the organization’s continued growth and depth on one of NASCAR’s biggest stages.

● Nathan Byrd NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Career Stats: Entering Charlotte, Byrd has eight NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series starts to his credit, highlighted by a career-best 16th-place finish in his series debut at Rockingham (N.C.) Speedway after starting 26th in the 2026 edition of the North Carolina Education Lottery 250 presented by Black’s Tire for Young’s Motorsports.

Since his 2024 debut, Byrd has recorded an average finish of 27.4 in series competition, adding starts at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course, Darlington (N.C.) Raceway, Kansas Speedway, Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Rockingham (N.C.) Speedway and Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway for DGM Racing, SS-GreenLight Racing and Young’s Motorsports, respectively.

Further bolstering his NASCAR résumé, Byrd has made 18 starts in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series since 2024.

● Calling the Shots: Guiding Byrd as crew chief of the No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro is longtime crew chief Andrew Abbott.

On Saturday, he will be the crew chief in his 177th NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race. In his previous 176 races, he has four top-five and 14 top-10 finishes.

The season's 15th race will be his sixth tango at Charlotte Motor Speedway as crew chief in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.

In his previous leadership effort at “America’s Home for Racing”, Abbott earned a track-best 13th-place finish with driver Jeremy Clements in the 2019 edition of the Alsco 300.

In the organization’s previous appearances at the popular 1.5-mile oval, rookie Leland Honeyman Jr. delivered the team’s strongest performance during its inaugural season in 2024.

After qualifying 25th, Honeyman showcased a steady presence in his debut at the track dubbed “America’s Home for Racing,” earning a respectable 23rd-place finish.

● Follow on Social Media: For more on Nathan Byrd, please visit byrdracing.com, like him on Facebook (Nathan Byrd), and follow him on Instagram (@nathanjbyrd) and X |Twitter (@nathanjbyrd).

Nathan Byrd Quoteboard:

On Charlotte Motor Speedway Debut: “Charlotte Motor Speedway is one of those tracks every driver looks forward to racing at because of the history and atmosphere surrounding Memorial Day weekend.

“It’s a fast, technical track where handling and track position mean a lot, especially as the race transitions from day into night. I’m excited for the opportunity to keep learning and continue building experience with Young’s Motorsports this weekend.”

On Keys to Success at Charlotte Motor Speedway: “I think the biggest key at Charlotte is staying ahead of the changing track conditions and keeping the balance in the car where you need it over a long run.

“You have to stay disciplined, execute on pit road and avoid mistakes because this series is so competitive. If we can put together a clean race and stay on the lead lap, I think we can give ourselves a chance at a solid finish.”

On Goals for Charlotte Motor Speedway: “Our goal this weekend is to continue building momentum and put together a complete race from start to finish.

“Every race is another opportunity for me to gain experience and continue improving behind the wheel. Charlotte is one of the biggest weekends of the year for NASCAR, so hopefully we can maximize the opportunity and bring home a strong result for Young’s Motorsports.”

On Racing on Memorial Day Weekend: “There’s definitely something special about racing on Memorial Day weekend because it means so much more than just being at the racetrack.

“It’s an opportunity for all of us in NASCAR to honor and remember the men and women who have served and sacrificed for our country.

“Charlotte Motor Speedway is already one of the biggest stages in our sport, but when you combine that with the meaning behind Memorial Day weekend, it creates an atmosphere that’s really hard to describe. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it with Young’s Motorsports this weekend.”

On Partnership with 24 HR Garage Door Service: “We’re excited to have 24 HR Garage Door Service on board with us for Charlotte Motor Speedway.

“It’s always important to represent new partners that believe in Young’s Motorsports and me, and we’re thankful for their support during one of the biggest weekends of the NASCAR season.

“Having partners like 24 HR Garage Door Service involved allows us to continue growing and competing at a high level. Hopefully, we can put together a strong weekend at Charlotte and deliver a solid performance they can be proud of.”

On Another O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Opportunity with Young’s Motorsports: “I’m grateful for another opportunity to compete with Young’s Motorsports in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

“Every race is another chance for me to continue learning, gaining experience and improving behind the wheel against some of the best competition in NASCAR.

“The team has continued to work hard and give me the tools I need to keep progressing each weekend.

"Hopefully, we can take another step forward at Charlotte and put together a strong overall performance.”

Race Information:

The Charbroil 300 (200 laps | 300 miles) is the 15th of thirty-three (33) NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races on the 2026 schedule. Practice will occur on Sat., May 23, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. Qualifying will immediately follow, beginning at 12:05 p.m. The field will take the green flag shortly after 5:00 p.m., with live coverage on The CW Network, the Performance Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (ET).

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