Get ready to rev your engines, because the 2026 NASCAR season is about to shift into high gear, and the owner points transfers just revealed could shake up the starting grid in ways you’d never expect! NASCAR has officially unveiled the full list of owner points transfers for its three national divisions—Cup Series, O'Reilly Auto Parts Series, and Craftsman Truck Series—and it’s packed with surprises, strategic moves, and a few bold decisions that are sure to spark debate among fans.
But here’s where it gets controversial: owner points aren’t just numbers—they’re the keys to unlocking a team’s position on the starting grid and their ability to lock into races at the beginning of the season. Without them, even the most talented drivers could find themselves struggling to qualify. So, who’s gaining an edge, and who’s starting from scratch? Let’s dive in.
NASCAR Cup Series: The Big Moves
In the premier division, Trackhouse Racing is making waves. The #88 team, which finished 12th in 2025, is transferring its points to the new #97 car, piloted by Shane van Gisbergen. Meanwhile, the #99 team’s points (29th in 2025) are moving to the #88 car, now driven by Connor Zilisch. Is this a strategic reshuffle or a risky gamble? RFK Racing and Rick Ware Racing are also swapping points, with the #60 and #51 teams trading places. And keep an eye on the brand-new #199 RFK Racing entry—starting with zero points, it’s a wildcard in the mix.
NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series: A Shuffle of Strategies
This series sees some of the most dramatic shifts. Richard Childress Racing’s 5th-place points from the #2 car are heading to Barrett-Cope Racing’s #30, with Carson Ware and Baltazar Leguizamón sharing driving duties. Kaulig Racing is spreading its points across multiple teams, including Young’s Motorsports and Sam Hunt Racing. But here’s the part most people miss: Alpha Prime Racing is launching not one, but three new entries (#43, #45, and #96), with drivers like Lavar Scott and Anthony Alfredo stepping in. Are they spreading themselves too thin, or is this a genius move to dominate the field?
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series: ThorSport’s Dominance Continues
ThorSport Racing is doubling down on its success, transferring points from the #98 (2nd in 2025) and #13 (14th in 2025) teams to new entries. Ty Majeski and Jake Garcia will be the drivers to watch. Halmar Friesen Racing is also making strategic moves, with points from the #52 and #62 teams shifting to new cars. But the real question is: can anyone challenge ThorSport’s grip on the top spots?
New Teams, New Challenges
Across all three series, several teams are starting fresh with zero points. From RFK Racing’s #199 in the Cup Series to Kaulig Racing’s #25 in the Truck Series, these newcomers will have their work cut out for them. Will they rise to the occasion, or will the established teams maintain their dominance?
Your Voice Matters!
Now, we want to hear from you! Do you think these owner points transfers will level the playing field, or will they widen the gap between the haves and have-nots? Are there any moves you think are particularly bold—or downright foolish? Let us know in the comments below. And while you’re at it, take our quick 5-minute survey to help us bring you more of the motorsport content you love.
Stay tuned, because the 2026 season is shaping up to be one for the history books. Will these transfers be remembered as game-changers, or just footnotes in NASCAR’s storied legacy? The green flag is about to drop—are you ready?
