After 137 starts filled with close calls and a record 15 runner-up finishes without securing a win, Sheldon Creed finally claimed his first NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series victory on February 21 at EchoPark Speedway. This milestone came during his 138th race, as he executed a decisive last-lap pass that etched his name among series winners. The long-awaited breakthrough also marked Creed’s first top-three NASCAR series win since his September 2021 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series triumph at Darlington Raceway.
Currently sitting third in the 2026 O’Reilly Series points standings, Creed is in strong position to make the 12-driver Chase and chase his first series championship. This win could signal a pivotal shift as he aims to elevate his performance throughout the rest of the season.
Initial Reactions and Celebration Following the First Win
Speaking with Frontstretch at Circuit of the Americas shortly after his victory, Creed reflected on the intense final moments of the race. When he saw Austin Hill’s No. 21 and Ross Chastain’s No. 32 collide at turn 3 on the last lap, he realized he had seized the lead and the checkered flag was within reach.
“I mean, at first, I didn’t probably believe it, that the seas parted for me like they did. And then my next worry was how close were they behind me. I didn’t know that the No. 99 (Parker Retzlaff) was as close as he was, and then off of (turn) 4, kind of seeing that nobody had a run, I just started screaming on the radio. Just a lot of joy and excitement.”
?Sheldon Creed, Driver
Creed also described the lively celebration that followed both at the track and at home. He mentioned enjoying media attention for the first time as a winner and shared how a close-knit group of friends and team members gathered at his house for an extended celebration lasting into Sunday night.
“It was cool to do all the media stuff. It’s been a while, right? So to experience it after winning is awesome. And then I had a few beers at the track, and then I got home and my wife already had like — there’s probably 15 to 20 people at my house and a lot of my guys came and drank a bunch of beers on Saturday night and then fired it back up again Sunday. I was definitely feeling it on Monday when it was time to go back to work.”
?Sheldon Creed, Driver
Reflections on the Unexpected Nature of the Victory
When asked about envisioning how his first win would unfold, Creed admitted uncertainty about the scenario that would eventually bring him triumph. Having experienced numerous close finishes with varied circumstances, he had come to accept that the timing and setting of his breakthrough mattered less than finally securing that elusive victory. Creed noted his growing appreciation for the track at Atlanta, where the win occurred, despite initial ambivalence.
“I didn’t know, honestly. I’ve been close so many times in so many different scenarios. Lost them a lot of different ways, so yeah, people were like asking like, ‘oh, where do you want to win? Where do you think you’ll be?’ And I just got to the point where I was like, I don’t care where it is or when it is. I just want it to be like that next week, just keep having opportunities. And to have it so early in the season and at a place that I didn’t love (Atlanta) — it’s grown on me a lot in the last couple of years just because handling is starting to become a thing again there.”
?Sheldon Creed, Driver
He compared Atlanta’s evolving racing conditions to the style of superspeedways like Talladega and Daytona, suggesting the track’s increased emphasis on handling could create exciting future contests.
Support from Competitors and Emotional Connection with Fans
Creed described feeling the enthusiastic support of fans during his victory celebration, emphasizing the significance of their positive reaction. Austin Hill’s congratulatory visit to victory lane further highlighted the camaraderie among competitors despite previous on-track clashes.
“Yeah, I feel like a lot of people were kind of on the ride with me, at least people that didn’t not like me or like me. To see everyone stick around and to hear them going crazy was awesome, and having Austin come to victory lane — obviously we had our run-ins but we we’re still really good friends away from the track.”
?Sheldon Creed, Driver
On a lighter note, Creed recalled a humorous incident involving his teammate Sam Mayer accidentally damaging his car’s splitter during celebrations. Despite the mishap, Creed took it in good spirits understanding it was unintentional.
“Obviously when I had first seen it, I laughed. And I mean, I guess it’s his fault, right, because he drove through the grass, but that’s not what his intentions were. When you’re going that slow, you don’t really think about the front digging in like it did. So yeah, just a dumb mistake that’s really not; he didn’t know it was going to do that, so just kind of innocent. But yeah, it’s still funny.”
?Sheldon Creed, Driver
Teammate Dynamics and Season Outlook After the Breakthrough
Creed spoke warmly about his relationship with teammate Sam Mayer, highlighting their differing life stages but strong personal and professional bond. Their collaboration, including shared meals and strategy discussions, offers mutual benefits as they work to support each other on and off the track.
“Sam’s been great. Obviously, we’re very different. I’m like five years older than him and married with kids and he’s not, so very different in our lives. But we get along really well. We go eat on race weekends a lot together and just talk about our cars and strategy and how we can help each other. And he’s obviously super talented, so yeah, he helps me a lot, and I feel like, hopefully, some of my info helps him. And yeah, we get along really good.”
?Sheldon Creed, Driver
Winning early in the 2026 season has eased the pressure Creed placed on himself, leaving him feeling lighter and more confident as the year progresses. He believes the victory has raised expectations for consistent competitive performances and increased belief within his team.
“Yeah, I feel 20 pounds lighter on my feet now. I was putting a lot of pressure on myself to win, and I just felt pressure from everyone. So yeah, to finally win is awesome. To do it early on in the season, hopefully it just opens the gates up for us, and now I can believe in myself again, that I can win. And my team I feel like believed it the whole time, but now I feel like we’re all elevated and just more confident going every week. Hopefully we can just put together a lot of good races this year.”
?Sheldon Creed, Driver
Preparation for Upcoming Races and Team Collaboration
While preparing for the week following his victory, Creed acknowledged the workload remained busy but enjoyable with the return to Chevrolet and working alongside crew member Josh Wise. Their collaboration enhances the team’s ability to analyze racing data and strategize effectively.
“Being able to work with Josh Wise again now that we’re back with Chevrolet has been awesome. He’s just a great help, and to be able to see things that he sees and talk through things with him and our group that all works together, just a lot of good stuff comes from him.”
?Sheldon Creed, Driver
Future Plans and Aspirations Beyond the Current Series
With a multi-year contract beginning in 2025, Creed is committed to continuing with the Haas Factory Team in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series for 2026 and potentially beyond. While it is still early to make definitive plans for 2027, he expressed a strong desire to remain with his current team if he continues in the series. However, his longer-term goal includes breaking into the NASCAR Cup Series, which he acknowledges will require additional wins and consistent performance.
“Yeah, pretty early, but there is definitely that opportunity to come back. If I’m going to be (O’Reilly) racing again, 100% I want to be here with this group. If I have the opportunity to go Cup racing — I don’t know, I think I need to win a few more times this year for that to be an option. But yeah, if I’m going to be (O’Reilly) racing again, I want to be here.”
?Sheldon Creed, Driver
He recognizes that his recent win could be critical in opening doors with potential Cup Series owners, who may now view him as a more viable candidate.
“I felt like my door was kind of shutting after obviously winning in Trucks and being good and then not winning for four years. That door was probably shut, and maybe I have it cracked back open now and may be at the bottom of the list, and just to be on the list is cool. Like I said, just need to win some more races this year and be consistent and have a shot at the championship, and yeah, we’ll see.”
?Sheldon Creed, Driver
Significance of the Victory and Outlook for the Season
Sheldon Creed’s first win in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series represents much more than a solitary success; it symbolizes a turning point in his racing career after years of near successes and frustration. This landmark moment may rejuvenate his confidence and provide momentum critical for securing a championship and advancing his career goals. With the strong backing of his team and renewed belief, Creed is poised to contend regularly at the front of the field as the season unfolds. NASCAR fans and team owners alike will be watching closely to see if this breakthrough win marks the beginning of a sustained rise through the ranks.
