The world of NASCAR racing can be very volatile, and fans have been reminded of that once again as Austin Green is replaced by Nick Sanchez at Peterson Racing. Green drove for the Peterson Racing team as their full-time driver.

He joined the team as their part-time driver and moved to full-time racing this season. He bagged two top tens for the team in the last 16 races. However, this partnership with Peterson Racing has been cut short.

Green took to his social media to announce that he will not be competing in the upcoming four out of the six races left in the season. 

“While this is an unexpected pause during my first full-time season, I remain committed and will be at Pocono, Chicago, Atlanta, and Indianapolis supporting Nick and the entire team in any way I can.”

Green further added that his focus is on the remaining season

“I trust God that everything happens for a reason. My focus remains on working hard and being ready for the opportunity to return to the No. 87 for the remainder of the season.”

Nick Sanchez will be taking up the No. 87 car starting from Pocono. Sanchez was previously signed with AM Racing but was left without a team after AM Racing closed its doors in April. 

Many of the fans sympathized with Green for losing his seat in his first full season at O’Reilly. 

Fans Rally Behind Austin Green Getting Sidelined

NASCAR fans showed their support for the driver in the comments section of Green’s post on social media. One fan sympathized with Austin. The fan wrote, “Well, this is unfortunate. Psalm 121, brother.” 

While another fan expressed his displeasure towards the team as he wrote, “It’s bs that you got canned for Sanchez. At least I have a new team to root against.” 

Yet another fan extended his support to Green, writing, “Hey man, you are a great driver. I may be one of the biggest Nick Sanchez fans, but I can’t do nothing but feel bad for you. The opportunities to be the best you can will come soon, and so will that win! Wish Peterson could have fielded 2 cars, but lack of staff makes it hard.” 

A fan also wrote, “I don’t know anything about you. But seen your name a lot in the top 10. But I’m not surprised that business is a very toxic business. You better leave your feelings at home because o’l team owner will say yes to a big check real quick. But can’t blame them.”

One more fan asked the driver about his ties with Jordan Anderson Racing, with whom Green ran in the Xfinity program in 2025. “What happened with you and Jordan Anderson Racing? You had great runs with them, and now you have lesser equipment. 

Did Peterson Racing do the right thing by sidelining Austin Green? Let us know in the comments. 

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Written by

Chionia Libania Colaco

Edited by

Ankita Yadav