Baltazar Leguizamón will take another significant step in his racing career as the first Argentine driver to officially compete in multiple NASCAR races, one of the most demanding and iconic motorsport series in the world. During the 2026 season, Leguizamón will compete in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, marking a milestone for Argentine motorsport.
The racing program will be carried out with Barrett-Cope Racing, a recently formed team within the series, owned by Stanton Barrett, Derrike Cope, Elyshia Cope, and Kevin Cope. Derrike Cope, winner of the 1990 Daytona 500, will play an active role in Leguizamón’s sporting development, supporting his adaptation and growth within the series. Stanton Barrett, owner and driver for Barrett-Cope Racing, is also scheduled to compete in selected races during the 2026 season.
Leguizamón will race the No. 30 Chevrolet Camaro, powered by ECR Engines (Earnhardt-Childress Racing), with the backing of Team Chevy, which provides technical and engineering support aligned with Chevrolet’s official NASCAR structure. The program also includes factory support from Brembo Racing Brakes, with technical guidance from Bruno Santoro, focused on the development and optimization of the braking system for both road courses and oval tracks.
Leguizamón’s debut in the series will take place in February 2026 at Circuit of the Americas, one of the most recognized venues on the U.S. racing calendar. The program will continue in March at Martinsville Speedway, one of NASCAR’s most iconic oval tracks, before moving on in May to Watkins Glen International, a classic venue in North American motorsport.
These races are part of a progressive plan aimed at reaching a minimum of ten races during the season, primarily adding oval events, with the goal of closing the year in Miami with a full NASCAR license, a key step in consolidating his continuity and long-term projection within the series.
Derrike Cope, team owner and 1990 Daytona 500 Champion, stated:
“I am very pleased to be working with Baltazar for the 2026 O’Reilly Auto Parts series season. He is a very accomplished road racer, and he is a driven individual with a great deal of desire to succeed in NASCAR. Together we will provide all the necessary elements for Baltazar to showcase his talents against some of the best in the sport. Our focus will be on the oval racetracks to acquire all the experience possible that will enable him to become a stable fixture in NASCAR for years to come!”
Stanton Barrett, owner and driver for Barrett-Cope Racing, added:
“I am excited that our vision as a team has come together with opportunities to provide a sound racing organization to support the expansion of talent from Argentina with Baltazar that will allow him to cultivate a successful career in NASCAR. Cope and myself look forward to coaching while providing him the equipment to be competitive in the exciting O’Reilly series.”
Leguizamón’s participation comes at a time of strong global expansion and growing relevance for NASCAR, which today commands one of the largest sports audiences in the United States and stands out for its national reach, continued digital growth, and highly loyal fan base.
After five years, Leguizamón returns with continuity to U.S. motorsport, where he was Formula Atlantic Champion, FIA Formula 3 Americas Vice Champion, LMP3 Endurance Champion, and a race winner in the F4 U.S. Championship. In Argentina, he has also competed with his own team, achieving multiple victories and podium finishes in Top Race and ACTC competition.
— Barrett-Cope Racing —