PETERSEN MEDIA: As the end of the 2026 season quickly approaches, Country Builders Racing has made the difficult decision to step away from full-time team ownership after 40 years in the sport.

“This team has been part of our family’s life for 40 years and we are beyond proud of everything we have accomplished,” Keith Offill said. “This was not a decision that came easily for us, but it is one that all of us as a family are behind. We are stepping away from the weekly grind of team ownership, but our love for the sport isn’t going anywhere and hasn’t changed.”

The California-based team which has been located in Iowa for the last few years with Austin McCarl at the controls, has been a fixture in the sport for decades, and has worked with numerous drivers. The famed candy apple red No. 88 has competed from coast to coast and found success along the way.

The most recent chapter for the team has been with McCarl, whose father, Terry, piloted the car in the early 90’s, has been a mainstay at the Knoxville Raceway the last few seasons where they earned a trio of track championships and earned numerous feature event wins together.

While the team will no longer be in full-time competition once the season concludes in a few weeks, the Country Builders Construction brand isn’t going away. The team and company are still deliberating in what ways they will continue to support and stay involved moving forward, but for now the Offill brothers will focus on a little family time.

“We certainly wish Austin and the McCarl family nothing but the best,” Offill added. “They are friends who are more like family to us, and it has been an amazing journey the last several years, and a true full circle moment after having Terry McCarl driving for us over the years. Like I said, this isn’t an easy decision, but is one we do all feel strongly about. Thank you to all the drivers who took a shot with us, all of the companies that supported us over the years, and all of the fans who cheered our car on.”