After a prolonged period without a win, Sheldon Creed finally secured his first NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series victory at EchoPark Speedway in Atlanta this past Saturday. The landmark achievement came after Creed, navigating the final laps behind Austin Hill and Ross Chastain, capitalized on a last-minute collision between the two to seize the lead and hold off competitors to finish first in the Bennett Transportation & Logistics 250.
Creed’s breakthrough win ended a drought that lasted 138 starts and included fifteen runner-up finishes, marking a significant milestone in the career of the California-born driver. His No. 00 Chevrolet was involved in a race that featured 24 lead changes, underscoring the challenging competition that confronted him before finally crossing the finish line ahead of the pack.
Reflecting on the Pressure of a Winless Run
In a post-race discussion with Fox Sports reporter Bob Pockrass, Creed opened up about the mounting pressure he faced during four full seasons without a victory. He expressed the doubts and insecurities that crept in as the wins continued to elude him, especially when finishing second became a recurring theme.
“I’ve thought every year, like, man, ‘Am I not good enough?’ And then you have your good runs that kind of bring your spirits back, but, yeah, do I need to go run equipment, or, I wouldn’t be an office job guy, but race cars is just it’s an incredible way to make a living, and I don’t want to go run equipment. I want to keep working hard at this, and keep winning,” Sheldon Creed said.
Creed acknowledged that reconnecting with former NASCAR Cup Series driver Josh Wise at Haas Factory Team played a crucial role in reigniting his confidence as the 2026 season began.
“100% the confidence got killed the last four years, and I’d say working back with Josh Wise again, that’s helped a lot to start this season,” he added.
He also credited the highly competitive nature of the series and racing against tough rivals with helping him build the self-belief necessary to challenge for victories.
Sheldon Creed’s NASCAR Rise: From Truck Series Champion to O’Reilly Series Contender
Sheldon Creed’s racing career includes significant success in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, where he captured the championship in 2020 while driving for GMS Racing. That season, Creed achieved five wins, starting with his maiden victory at Kentucky Speedway and followed by triumphs at major venues like Daytona, Gateway, Texas, and Phoenix Raceway, where he clinched a memorable overtime win.
Since moving into the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2022 with Richard Childress Racing, Creed had struggled to convert strong performances into a win, despite several close calls. Additionally, Creed made his NASCAR Cup Series debut at Kansas Speedway in September 2023, piloting the No. 78 car for Live Fast Motorsports and finishing 29th after a 34th place start.
The recent breakthrough at EchoPark Speedway unfolded during an intense battle in the closing laps, where Ross Chastain and Austin Hill—who led the most laps in the race (34)—collided while vying for the lead. The incident caused Chastain to spin, allowing Creed to slip through the gap and take the checkered flag for his first ever O’Reilly Series victory.
The Significance of Creed’s Victory and What Lies Ahead
This victory holds considerable importance for Creed as it lifts the weight of an extensive winless stretch and confirms his credibility as a formidable competitor in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. The breakthrough could serve as a momentum boost, encouraging Creed to continue refining his skills and pushing for additional wins in the upcoming races.
The confidence gained through this win also strengthens Creed’s resolve to remain committed to racing rather than stepping away from the sport. His reflections on wondering if he was “good enough” highlight the mental challenges drivers face in highly competitive motorsports disciplines.
With support from teammates like Josh Wise and experience gained across multiple NASCAR series, Creed appears poised to carry this renewed energy forward. His performance at EchoPark Speedway reveals that the young driver is prepared to contend regularly at the front of the pack as the season progresses.
Sheldon Creed on losing his confidence over a four-year O'Reilly Series career that included 15 second-place finishes but no wins up until Saturday. @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/SLTCHDi4j8
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 22, 2026
