DARLINGTON, S.C. — Alpha Prime Racing will race the Ford Mustang beginning with the 2027 season, marking one of the most significant steps in the team’s history.
The move follows an extensive evaluation by APR leadership of the team’s competition and business models. The team believes the move will strengthen equipment, increase development capabilities, and create manufacturer alignment.
Caesar Bacarella, owner of Alpha Prime Racing says the change represents a long-term vision for the multi-car organization.
“This is the biggest decision we’ve ever made,” Bacarella said. “We have built Alpha Prime Racing by being resourceful and competitive against teams with significantly more resources. That’s our identity. And we don’t want to change that. We want to build on it. Competing with the Ford Mustang is an opportunity to take another step forward.”
APR will phase in Ford equipment during the remainder of 2026 as the organization converts its existing racing inventory, providing its competition group an opportunity to gain experience and establish technical baselines with the new platform before the 2027 season.
APR will utilize Roush Yates Engines for its future engine program and will make a significant investment in Ford technology as part of the transition.
Jusan Hamilton, President of Alpha Prime Racing said the process is about much more than changing race cars.
“Our objective throughout this process has been to build a stronger and more sustainable Alpha Prime Racing,” Hamilton said. “We see an opportunity to build an organization around a two-car O’Reilly Series program and continue investing in our people, equipment and infrastructure. The Ford Racing platform, Roush Yates Engines and the broader ecosystem surrounding Ford in NASCAR align with what we want Alpha Prime Racing to be.”
Alpha Prime Racing has established itself as one of the most successful independent organization in NASCAR, with a seven-year history of competing in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series while developing drivers and personnel who have progressed throughout the NASCAR industry. That’s a reputation that Tommy Joe Martins, Founder of Alpha Prime Racing, believes will continue.
“Alpha Prime Racing has grown because of the amazing people we’ve had on this team,”
Martins said, “and the Ford Mustang gives them the best chance to compete moving forward. We’re committed to a long-term, competitive and sustainable Alpha Prime Racing. We want to stand out as an organization, on and off the race track. This move is a giant step toward that.”
