Lavar Scott Secures Full-Time 2026 NASCAR Ride with Alpha Prime Racing

A new contender is set for the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Rookie of the Year battle. Young driver Lavar Scott has landed a full-time ride for the upcoming season. He will pilot the No. 45 Chevrolet Camaro for Alpha Prime Racing. The 22-year-old from New Jersey makes the jump after two strong years in the ARCA Menards Series.

 

This move marks a significant step in Scott’s career within NASCAR’s national series. It fulfills a lifelong dream for the driver and adds a fresh face to the highly competitive second-tier series grid. Team co-owner Tommy Joe Martins confirmed the ride for the complete 33-race campaign.

From ARCA Contender to National Series Rookie

Lavar Scott arrives with solid credentials. He spent the last two seasons with REV Racing in the ARCA Menards Series. As part of NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program, he was a consistent front-runner.

Scott never won an ARCA race but came close many times. He earned 26 top-five finishes across 46 career starts. He also finished second in the championship standings in both of his full-time seasons. According to NASCAR records, that consistency made him a standout prospect.

His move to the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series was previewed earlier. Scott made two starts for Alpha Prime in 2025 at Dover and World Wide Technology Raceway. He finished 19th and 28th, gaining valuable experience.

Alpha Prime Racing’s Strategic Development Push

For Alpha Prime Racing, signing Scott signals a focus on developing young talent. The team is co-owned by Tommy Joe Martins and Caesar Bacarella. It is coming off its most successful season to date in the series.

The organization scored four top-five finishes in 2025. Veteran driver Brennan Poole, who will return in the No. 44 car, contributed two of those. Scott will benefit from Poole’s experience as a teammate.

The team has evolved significantly since 2020. It provides a stable platform for a rookie like Scott to learn. This partnership aims to build on the team’s recent momentum and grow together.

Lavar Scott’s debut is a key development for the 2026 NASCAR landscape. His progression from ARCA to a full national series schedule will be one of the season’s compelling stories. The rookie battle just gained a serious new competitor.

Info at your fingertips:

Who is Lavar Scott?

Lavar Scott is a 22-year-old driver from Carney’s Point, New Jersey. He is a graduate of NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program and spent two full seasons competing in the ARCA Menards Series before securing this national series ride.

What car will Lavar Scott drive in 2026?

Scott will drive the No. 45 Chevrolet Camaro for Alpha Prime Racing. He will compete for Rookie of the Year honors across the full 33-race NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series schedule.

What was Scott’s performance in ARCA?

He was remarkably consistent, finishing second in points twice. Scott collected 26 top-five finishes in 46 starts but did not secure a victory during his ARCA tenure, despite several close calls.

How did Alpha Prime Racing perform last season?

The team had its best season to date in 2025, earning four top-five finishes and nine top-ten results. A highlight was a second-place finish at Rockingham Speedway.

Who will be Scott’s teammate?

Veteran driver Brennan Poole is slated to return to the team’s No. 44 Chevrolet. Poole’s experience is expected to be a valuable resource for Scott during his rookie campaign.

Has Scott driven in this series before?

Yes, he made two starts for Alpha Prime Racing in 2025. Scott finished 19th at Dover Motor Speedway and 28th at World Wide Technology Raceway, giving him a small head start on experience.