NASCAR O’Reilly Series Driver Daniel Dye Joins FatHead Racing for The Prelude to the Cup Pro Late Model 100

NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series driver Daniel Dye is heading back to his short-track roots, joining FatHead Racing behind the wheel of its Pro Late Model for the upcoming Prelude to the Cup Pro Late Model 100 at New Smyrna Speedway.

Fresh off the announcement that he will compete full-time with Jordan Anderson Racing in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2027, Dye will spend part of his offseason returning to familiar territory at one of Florida’s most prestigious short tracks.

A former Pro Late Model champion, Dye has accumulated countless laps and starts at New Smyrna Speedway, his hometown track. Throughout his career, he has established himself as a competitive presence at the famed facility, recording multiple top-five finishes in marquee events, including the Governor’s Cup, Orange Blossom 100, and the Red Eye 100.

Despite his success at the historic facility, Dye continues to have his sights set on one particular accomplishment: capturing his first victory during Governor’s Cup weekend.

His upcoming appearance with FatHead Racing marks a return to Late Model competition for the first time since the 2022 Snowball Derby, adding another exciting chapter to his relationship with the Florida short-track scene.

“It’s really cool to have the opportunity to race back home at New Smyrna, where it all started for me,” said Dye. “I’m looking forward to teaming up with Jamie and FatHead Racing, and hopefully bringing home a win.”

Jordan Anderson, owner of Jordan Anderson Racing, is equally excited to see Dye remain active behind the wheel during the offseason.

“It’s exciting to see Daniel have the opportunity to stay behind the wheel during the offseason, especially at a track like New Smyrna where he’s been competitive and had a shot at winning. We know he has a great opportunity to contend for a win with this group of guys, but just as importantly, it’s another chance to showcase the incredible partners who make all of this possible while racing in his home state,” said Anderson.

For FatHead Racing owner Jamie Yelton, bringing a driver of Dye’s calibre into the program represents exactly the type of opportunity the team is looking to create.

“Daniel is a proven competitor with an impressive resume, and having someone with his experience join our program is exciting for our entire team,” said Yelton. “He knows New Smyrna, he knows what it takes to compete, and we're looking forward to putting a competitive car underneath him.”

Yelton added, “We're always looking for opportunities to work with talented drivers and bring new partnerships together. Having Daniel represent FHR at his hometown track is a great fit, and hopefully we can help him accomplish what he's been chasing next weekend.”

The partnership further reinforces FatHead Racing’s commitment to providing competitive opportunities for drivers at various stages of their careers, while continuing to build relationships with established names throughout the motorsports industry.

With a full-time NASCAR season on the horizon in 2027 and unfinished business waiting at his hometown short track, Dye will have his sights firmly set on one thing when he climbs behind the wheel: getting to victory lane.

Dye’s return to late model racing in the Prelude to the Cup 100 is proudly supported by Champion Container. The event gets underway with practice on Friday, November 13th, followed by racing on Saturday, November 14th at New Smyrna Speedway.

-FatHead Racing Release
-Photo credit: Live Fast Motorsports