JR Motorsports NASCAR future was cast into uncertainty following confirmation that Rodney Childers will return as a crew chief for the 2026 season, with major changes affecting driver lineups. Rising talent Carson Kvapil will no longer compete full-time in the Xfinity Series, which is set for a rebrand as the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2026, but will share JR Motorsports’ No. 1 car instead, raising questions about his career progression.
Key Drivers Face Reduced Roles Amid Organizational Changes
The midweek announcement clarified that Carson Kvapil, who has demonstrated significant promise this season, will not be returning as a full-time driver in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series next year. Instead, he is set to split the schedule in the No. 1 car with Connor Zilisch, according to Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports. Zilisch’s promotion to a full-time NASCAR Cup Series seat for 2026 leaves him available for only a handful of races in the renamed O’Reilly Auto Parts Series due to NASCAR’s regulatory limits. These rules cap Cup Series drivers’ participation at five events in the second-tier series, excluding the regular-season finale and playoff races, which further restricts Zilisch’s impact on the series Kvapil hoped to dominate.
This development represents a major surprise for those following Kvapil’s trajectory. Currently, he sits fourth in the Xfinity Series playoff rankings, behind contenders like Connor Zilisch, Justin Allgaier, and Sam Mayer. Despite being consistently competitive, with six top-five finishes and thirteen top-ten results this season, Kvapil has yet to claim a victory—which may have factored into the team’s decisions.
Consistent Results Couldn’t Secure Kvapil’s Full-Time Seat
Kvapil’s journey in the Xfinity Series, soon to be known as the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, has been defined by regular strong performances. Six times this season he has finished in the top five, and with thirteen top-ten finishes to his name, he has established himself as a steady presence in the field. However, his inability to secure a win may have contributed to hesitancy within JR Motorsports about investing in his full-time future, especially as they prepare for a significant transition in 2026.
Pressure Mounts as Team Leaders Voice Expectations
Signals about this shift were evident earlier in the season, with team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. speaking candidly about the differing levels of support for his young drivers. While Zilisch was largely considered destined for the Cup Series provided he maintained his results, Kvapil’s path was marked by greater uncertainty and higher expectations for immediate success. Earnhardt made it clear that the stakes were high for Kvapil, emphasizing the need for race wins to solidify his standing. As Earnhardt explained during his Dale Jr. Download podcast in early May:
“Carson’s future is not guaranteed. I think we all agree that he’s got potential and there’s something there, and if the right things happen the right way, that he could have a 20-year career. But it easily could go the opposite way, and these races are the opportunities, these are the opportunities we’re just not … grrrr.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., Team Owner
With JR Motorsports narrowing their opportunities in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series for next year, the internal and external pressure on Kvapil will only intensify. The message from team leadership is clear: converting consistency into wins is vital for his long-term prospects.
Wider Team and Series Movements Affect the Competitive Landscape
This period of change is not limited to Kvapil or JR Motorsports. With high-profile decisions, such as Lane Kiffin voicing criticisms of SEC scheduling and program leaders like Kirby Smart and Hugh Freeze making news in their own sports, it’s evident that organizational shakeups and future planning are common across different competitive realms. For JR Motorsports, navigating these shifts requires balancing established stars, emerging talent, and long-term strategy amid marketplace pressures and sponsor expectations.
The Road Ahead for Carson Kvapil and Team Dynamics
As Kvapil adapts to a part-time schedule, the uncertainty around his JR Motorsports NASCAR future becomes a reflection of the high stakes in professional stock car racing. While there remains potential for a surprise announcement or a new opportunity, Kvapil’s immediate goal will be to maximize every event he enters—demonstrating he can deliver victories that may once again make him a full-time driver candidate. The unfolding situation for JR Motorsports and the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2026 will be closely watched by fans of Carson Kvapil, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and the broader NASCAR community, with implications for team strategies and the careers of young drivers throughout the sport.
Correct. As of right now, Carson Kvapil won't be full time and will share the Xfinity (O'Reilly Series) ride in the JRM No. 1 with Connor ZIlisch. https://t.co/QDzzFcOQOj
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) September 24, 2025