Creed Inches Closer to Chase Berth After Strong Run at EchoPark Speedway
HAMPTON, Ga. (July 12, 2026) – Sheldon Creed and the No. 00 Ollie's Chevrolet team put together another championship-caliber performance Saturday night at EchoPark Speedway before a late-race accident resulted in a 25th-place finish in the Focused Health 250.
Returning to the track where he earned his first career NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series victory earlier this season, Creed started sixth and quickly worked his way into the top three. Battling a loose-handling race car during the opening segment, he still drove to a fifth-place finish in Stage 1 to earn six valuable championship points while continuing to strengthen his postseason position.
Creed restarted ninth for Stage 2 but wasted little time charging back toward the front, using the outside lane to climb into the top five before settling into a spirited battle with Jesse Love throughout the longest green-flag run of the evening. He crossed the line ninth at the end of the stage, collecting two more stage points before the Haas Factory Team delivered another strong pit stop that gained two positions heading into the final segment.
Starting seventh for the final stage, Creed capitalized on the restart and powered the No. 00 Ollie's Chevrolet to the race lead before a caution slowed the field. A series of late-race restarts shuffled the running order, dropping Creed into the middle lane where he lost valuable track position. With just 11 laps remaining, he was collected in a multicar accident that brought an early end to what had been one of the strongest performances of the night.
Despite the disappointing finish, Creed earned 20 championship points and remains third in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series standings following Race 21 of 33. With only three races remaining before the postseason begins, Creed has placed himself in an outstanding position to secure a berth in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Chase, needing only a routine finish over the closing races to officially lock in his championship opportunity.
The Atlanta performance further reinforced the speed and consistency the Haas Factory Team has displayed throughout the season. After leading laps, collecting stage points, and contending for the victory before misfortune struck, the No. 00 Ollie's Chevrolet team heads into the final stretch of the regular season with momentum and confidence as it prepares for a championship run.
The NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series now takes an off weekend before returning Saturday, July 25, at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The regular season concludes with races at Iowa Speedway and Daytona International Speedway before the Chase begins.
About Sheldon Creed
Sheldon Creed is one of NASCAR's most accomplished young drivers and the 2020 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Champion. A proven winner across off-road racing, ARCA, and NASCAR competition, Creed drives the No. 00 Chevrolet for Haas Factory Team in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series. Known for his versatility and racecraft, he continues to establish himself as one of the series' premier championship contenders.
About Haas Factory Team
Haas Factory Team is a championship-driven NASCAR organization competing in both the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series. Built on a foundation of engineering excellence, innovation, and competitive performance, Haas Factory Team fields elite equipment and talented drivers while pursuing victories and championships at every level of NASCAR competition. For more information, visit www.HaasFactoryTeam.com.
About Ollie's Bargain Outlet
Ollie's Bargain Outlet is America's largest retailer of closeout merchandise and excess inventory, offering customers brand-name products at up to 70% below traditional retail prices. With hundreds of locations nationwide, Ollie's provides unbeatable bargains on housewares, food, books, flooring, electronics, sporting goods, toys, and much more. Learn more at www.Ollies.com.
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