NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series veteran Brennan Poole informed team leadership that he will not return to Alpha Prime Racing for the 2027 season, ending a three-year run at the organization.
Prior to landing at Alpha Prime, Poole was a journeyman driver for Jimmy Means Racing, Mike Harmon Racing, JD Motorsports, and G2G Racing during the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
But, rarely will a team and driver form a better fit than Brennan Poole and Alpha Prime Racing. Since joining APR in 2024, Poole helped to establish the No. 44 team as one of the strongest independent entries in NASCAR racing.
His tenure made him the organization’s leader in starts (95), top-5’s (3), top-10’s (11), and top-20’s (64!). In 2025, Poole and the team were recognized at the Inaugural Grand National Bash by sweeping the Independent Driver, Team, and Organization of the year categories. And in 2026, the pairing is on track to finish top-20 in both Owner’s and Driver’s points for the third straight season.
Alpha Prime Racing Founder Tommy Joe Martins believes the perception of both driver, and team, has changed.
“He raised his profile and ours,” Martins said. “More than any team in the garage, Brennan and that group overachieve every year. He had something to prove and we’ve proved it. Together.”
APR presented Poole with an offer to return for the 2027 season, but the veteran driver chose to pursue another opportunity.
Owner Caesar Bacarella spoke on the decision saying, “it’s disappointing, for sure. He’s been a great driver for us and we feel like we’ve put a great team around him. But we appreciate everything.”
Martins echoed the sentiments, and also expressed his appreciation for the Woodlands, Texas driver.
“Of course we wanted Brennan and his partners to continue growing with us,” Martins said, “especially as we begin this new chapter with Ford Racing. So, yeah, it’s going to be really weird to see him driving another racecar because the forty-four means a lot to me.”
Martins continued saying, “Ultimately he feels like he’s making the right decision, and I respect it – I just disagree with him, obviously.” Martins remarked, “but look, I know it was a hard decision. We’ve got a great relationship and we still will. This is the business we’re in.”
In the midst of a tight top-20 battle for the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Driver and Owner’s Points, Alpha Prime Racing President Jusan Hamilton was steadfast that Poole and APR remain focused on finishing strong.
“We still have work to do,” Hamilton said. “I know Brennan will give us everything he has, and we’ll do the same for him. That’s the best way we can thank him and his partners for three successful years together. It’s been a special partnership for Tommy Joe and our entire organization.”
Alpha Prime Racing’s plans for the No. 44 car and the 2027 driver lineup will be announced separately in the coming weeks.
— Alpha Prime Racing —