With Connor Zilisch expected to jump to a Trackhouse Racing Cup seat in 2026, JR Motorsports faces a pivotal decision over who will fill the No. 88 Xfinity ride and maintain its championship aspirations. The hunt for new JR Motorsports No. 88 driver candidates introduces an intense round of speculation and opportunity as the team seeks a racer ready to continue their legacy.
Unexpected Contenders for the Iconic No. 88 Chevrolet
Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his JR Motorsports team are now evaluating a mix of unconventional drivers to take over as Zilisch departs. With high stakes for both performance and future championship possibilities, five distinct talents have caught the eyes of the organization for the 2026 season and beyond.
Kaden Honeycutt’s Steady Rise with Niece Motorsports
Kaden Honeycutt has steadily climbed the ranks and currently stands fifth in the Truck Series with Niece Motorsports, showcasing consistency that indicates further growth. In Charlotte, Honeycutt stood toe-to-toe with elite talents like Kyle Busch and Ross Chastain, notching a personal best third-place finish and signaling his potential in more competitive equipment.
Ross Chastain, a seasoned champion, recognized Honeycutt’s developing talent early.
I’ve seen first to trust Al Niece’s [Niece Motorsports’ owner] gut when he says ‘this is the guy.’ Once I knew he was gonna be in one [Truck] and I watched him in the other vehicles he was in, I’m like ‘OK yeah, he can drive.’ He’s with Phil Gould, so they’re coaching him.
—Ross Chastain, Champion Driver. Remaining winless but ranked high in points, Honeycutt hints at a deep well of unrealized promise that could suit JR Motorsports’ search for new strength.
Chandler Smith’s Winning Experience Across Series
Chandler Smith presents a compelling case, bringing success from both the Truck and Xfinity Series. In 2025, he secured two Truck Series victories for Front Row Motorsports and proved his abilities during a strong 2024 campaign with Joe Gibbs Racing, which included two wins and 15 top-five finishes in Xfinity.
Smith is praised for quickly adjusting to any scenario, whether on a short track or high-speed superspeedway. His adaptability and winning background make him a standout option as JR Motorsports seeks someone ready to immediately contend for an Xfinity championship and fill Zilisch’s shoes.
Rajah Caruth’s Breakthrough as a Rising Star
Rajah Caruth has emerged with real championship potential after grabbing a decisive Truck Series win at Nashville in 2025, locking in playoff aspirations and refuting any doubts about his ability. His time racing for Jordan Anderson Racing at Dover in Xfinity further highlighted Caruth’s growing versatility behind the wheel.
During a meaningful weekend at his home track, Caruth described the achievement as a full-circle moment racing for EventsDC in front of local supporters. His marketability and hunger for better results put him firmly on Chevrolet’s radar. While some inconsistency remains, JR Motorsports has experience nurturing raw talent into winning drivers.
Nick Sanchez and His Grit Under Pressure
Nick Sanchez demonstrates poise in chaotic races, as shown by surviving an intense outing at EchoPark Speedway for his sole Xfinity Series win this year. After causing a multi-car incident involving Jesse Love and several others, Sanchez exhibited the confidence and control needed to finish up front in tense moments.
Once we got control of the race, we never looked back,
—Nick Sanchez, Big Machine Racing Driver. Bringing him in from Big Machine Racing would give JR Motorsports a driver already acclimated to Xfinity competition and riding a streak of strong performances, which is critical for their 2026 campaign.
Seasoned Leadership from Daniel Suárez
Daniel Suárez, who has returned to Xfinity Series victory lane for JR Motorsports in Mexico City this year, offers the type of veteran leadership that few can match. His track record and ongoing discussions with Dale Earnhardt Jr. position him as a well-respected candidate. Earnhardt has commented on the team’s current driver considerations:
JR Motorsports usually has one to two cars in limbo.
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., Owner, referencing the shifting lineup and potential for new talent.
Although Suárez aims for a Cup Series future, the allure of driving a top-tier Xfinity vehicle boosts his candidacy. Earnhardt further weighed in on what he and the team are watching as they narrow options:
We’re going to watch to see what he does. Does he drive harder? Does he make mistakes? Does he push people around? Does he fade under the rug and disappear? What happens?
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., Owner, speaking about the competitive criteria for candidates on the Dale Jr. Download podcast.
The Implications of the Next No. 88 Driver
As anticipation builds and rumors swirl, Zilisch’s official move to Cup remains unsigned, but JR Motorsports is well aware that timing is everything in securing a top-level replacement. The organization’s selection will not only affect their prospects for the 2026 Xfinity campaign but could also disrupt the championship odds and even shift the balance of power in the series. How Earnhardt Jr. and his group act in the coming months could define JR Motorsports’ future and pave the way for NASCAR’s next standout driver.
