Jusan Hamilton: From NASCAR Executive to Alpha Prime Racing President

Rockingham, NC – Jusan Hamilton, formerly a key executive with NASCAR, has been appointed President of Alpha Prime Racing, effective immediately. The announcement marks a swift return to motorsports for Hamilton after departing NASCAR at the end of the 2025 season.

Hamilton joined the sanctioning body as an intern in 2012, and after a brief departure, returned in 2016. He steadily rose through the ranks, eventually serving as Managing Director for Competition Operations since 2022. His responsibilities encompassed a broad range of areas, including oversight of the Drive for Diversity program, pit crew development, and the pro iRacing NASCAR divisions. Notably, Hamilton also held the position of race director and played a crucial role in the annual development of the NASCAR schedule, including the exploration of new venues for expansion.

The move to Alpha Prime Racing represents a significant shift for Hamilton, transitioning from a governing role within NASCAR to leading a team competing on the track in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (NOAPS). “Appreciative of the opportunity and excited to help build what’s next with Alpha Prime Racing,” Hamilton stated in a social media post following the announcement.

Alpha Prime Racing, owned by Tommy Joe Martins, is a growing organization within the NOAPS division. The team currently fields three full-time entries: the No. 44 Chevrolet driven by Brennan Poole, the No. 45 Chevrolet piloted by Lavar Scott, and the No. 4 Chevrolet which features rotating drivers. While the team is yet to secure a victory, they have demonstrated consistent improvement, achieving five top-five finishes and sixteen top-ten results. Their best finish to date came at Rockingham last year, where they finished second.

Hamilton’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Alpha Prime Racing. The team has shown promise, but is looking to take the next step towards contention. His extensive experience within NASCAR, particularly his understanding of competition operations and schedule development, could prove invaluable as the team strives for greater success. His background in pit crew development could also be a key asset, potentially leading to gains on pit road.

The transition from a regulatory position at NASCAR to leading a race team is an unusual one, but one that Hamilton appears to embrace. His time as race director provided him with a unique perspective on the competitive landscape of the sport, and his understanding of the rules and regulations will undoubtedly be beneficial in his new role. However, the challenges of managing a race team – including securing sponsorship, building relationships with drivers and crew members, and making strategic decisions on race day – are significantly different from those he faced at NASCAR.

Hamilton’s previous role also involved significant responsibility for fostering diversity within NASCAR. It remains to be seen how he will incorporate that experience into his leadership at Alpha Prime Racing, but it is an area where he could potentially make a significant impact. The Drive for Diversity program, which he oversaw, has been instrumental in bringing new talent into the sport, and his commitment to inclusivity could help to broaden the appeal of Alpha Prime Racing.

The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series is currently gaining momentum as a competitive proving ground for up-and-coming drivers and teams. Alpha Prime Racing’s ambition, combined with Hamilton’s leadership, positions the team to potentially become a significant force in the series. The 2026 season promises to be an interesting one for the team, as they look to build on their previous successes and challenge for their first victory under new leadership.