Live Update on Alpha Prime Racing’s 2025 Strategy: Co-Owner Cesar Bacarella Returns, New Crew Chief and Rising Star Set for Big Season
As the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season quickly approaches, Alpha Prime Racing (APR) has revealed a major shake-up for the year. Co-owner Cesar Bacarella, who has been part-time in the series since 2017, will be making a comeback behind the wheel for the season opener at Daytona. The 51-year-old will drive the No. 45 Prime Bites Mini Muffins/TikTok Shop Chevrolet, a race that holds significant meaning for both Bacarella and the team.
Cesar Bacarella’s Comeback and Challenging Journey
Bacarella has faced his fair share of challenges. His racing career took a major hit in November 2021 when NASCAR handed him an indefinite suspension for a violation of the sport’s substance abuse policy. Bacarella explained that the substance he had ingested came from a workout supplement, one he didn’t know contained banned ingredients. Tommy Joe Martins, APR co-owner, stood by Bacarella, asserting that the violation was unintentional. After taking responsibility for his actions and completing NASCAR’s Road to Recovery program, Bacarella was reinstated in February 2022.
Now, with a new season ahead, Bacarella is aiming to help Alpha Prime Racing elevate its performance. Despite the struggles in previous years, Bacarella’s history on superspeedways is worth noting, with two top-10 finishes in 2024, including a seventh place at Talladega. His best career finish, a sixth-place result at Talladega in 2023, proves that he can compete at the highest level.
Alpha Prime Racing’s Transformation for 2025
Although Alpha Prime Racing didn’t score any wins in 2024, the team showed steady improvement with four top-10 finishes. Heading into 2025, APR is making strategic changes. One of the biggest moves is the addition of Joe Williams as the new crew chief for rising star Parker Retzlaff. Williams brings extensive experience, including roles in the NASCAR Cup Series, and will be instrumental in shaping the team’s success.
Bacarella is enthusiastic about Parker Retzlaff, stating, “I’m just super excited to have him join us. He’s a young, really talented race car driver, and he’s going to help elevate the team.” Bacarella and Tommy Joe Martins agree that the key to success is the people behind the wheel and the pit crew, emphasizing that with the right team, APR can continue its upward trajectory.
With Parker Retzlaff and Bacarella leading the charge, and with a seasoned crew chief like Williams now on board, Alpha Prime Racing is ready to make their mark in 2025. Will APR be able to secure their first-ever victory in the Xfinity Series this season? The road to Daytona will tell the tale. Stay tuned!
