Austin Green has been released from Peterson Racing, the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series team confirmed in a social media statement on Wednesday, which also included an overarching message of support for the organization’s founding driver.
The 25-year-old driver was originally scheduled to compete full-time in the No. 87 Chevrolet Camaro for Peterson Racing but was replaced mid-season by Nick Sanchez. Green remained a part of the organization during that time and was granted a three-race stint to end his season at Charlotte, Phoenix, and Talladega.
Green finished 23rd at Charlotte Motor Speedway but was replaced by Nick Sanchez for last weekend’s event at Phoenix Raceway and Lee Pulliam for Saturday’s event at Talladega Superspeedway – a decision that had many across the NASCAR fanbase frustrated, after the North Carolina-native had been pulled from the ride for a second time.
“We recognize the frustration and disappointment surrounding our decision to part ways with Austin Green, particularly regarding the changes to our driver lineup for Charlotte, Phoenix, and Talladega,” a statement from Peterson Racing reads. “We understand that expectations were established for these events, as well as for Austin’s full-time 2026 season. We acknowledge the disappointment caused by those plans changing and respect everyone’s right to question our decision.”
“We want to make one thing clear: Peterson Racing supports Austin Green.”
Green has been a member of Peterson Racing for four years, dating back to his run with the organization in the CUBE 3 Architecture TA2 Series in 2023 and 2024, before moving more permanently to NASCAR in 2025 and 2026. However, since he was replaced by Nick Sanchez (the first time earlier in the season), the team has taken some abuse on social media.
“For four seasons, we have been proud to support Austin and his racing career. Our decision to move in a different direction does not change our respect for him or our desire to see his succeed. What has been especially troubling is the hostility directed towards Austin, his supporters, Peterson Racing, and our team members. Disagreement is understandable, but personal attacks against anyone involved are not acceptable.”
Things came to a head on Monday, though, after Lee Pulliam confirmed he’d be driving the No. 87 Chevrolet for Peterson Racing in Saturday’s The Progress Group 250 at Talladega – with Peterson Racing’s account on X claiming that there was no change in driver lineup for the team at Talladega, while also insinuating that claims made by Green about his three-race stint in the No. 87 were untrue, several times using the response of “Ask Austin Green”.
In their statement posted on Wednesday, Peterson Racing also acknowledged and apologized for those posts, and other of confrontational nature, stating that they are set to review their social media moderation practices – as some users reporting their accounts being blocked after making comments about Austin Green’s departure.
“We also acknowledge that some social media interactions associated with our organization have contributed to the tension. We apologize for those exchanges and recognize that we should have handled them more professionally.”
“We are also reviewing our social media moderation practices, including concerns about blocked accounts. Respectful criticism and differing opinions should always have a place in our community. Supporting Peterson Racing does not mean you have to stop supporting Austin Green. Supporting Austin does not mean you have to turn against Peterson Racing.”
Lee Pulliam is scheduled to compete in the next two NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series events for Peterson Racing at Talladega and Martinsville, before Nick Sanchez takes over for the season-finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Beginning in 2027, Peterson Racing will field two full-time entries in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series: the No. 78 for Harrison Burton and the No. 87 for Lee Pulliam.
