Rodney Childers has been appointed as crew chief for JR Motorsports’ No. 1 entry in the NASCAR Xfinity Series for 2026, bringing his expertise to the team just as Connor Zilisch gets ready for another significant season. The announcement, made on September 24, signals Zilisch’s commitment to the series alongside his new role in the NASCAR Cup Series with Trackhouse Racing, placing the focus firmly on Connor Zilisch NASCAR Xfinity 2026 plans.
Childers Brings Experience to JR Motorsports
Childers, known for his extensive background in the Cup Series, including his tenure with Kevin Harvick, will join the JR Motorsports group as crew chief for a car to be shared by Carson Kvapil and Connor Zilisch. The arrangement was announced as part of JR Motorsports’ broader plans for the upcoming season. Team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. expressed confidence in the newly formed partnership, stating:
“Rodney’s resume and career speak for itself,”
said Dale Earnhardt Jr., Owner, JR Motorsports.
He continued,
“Rodney and I grew up together and have known each other since we were kids. That’s a relationship that has always been close and has remained close to this day. We’ve always had interest in working together in motorsports and I’m thankful that this opportunity came about and we could bring him into the JRM family.”
– Dale Earnhardt Jr., Owner, JR Motorsports.
The announcement did not offer specifics on how Kvapil and Zilisch would split the driving schedule for the No. 1 car, but both are set for substantial roles in the upcoming NASCAR Xfinity season.
Enthusiastic Reactions from Childers and the Team
Childers, who has recently worked with Spire Motorsports and previously guided Josh Berry and Kevin Harvick, expressed excitement about joining the organization:
“I’m so excited to be joining the JRM family,”
said Rodney Childers, Crew Chief, JR Motorsports.
He also added,
“To see what Dale, Kelley [Earnhardt Miller] and Mr. H [Rick Hendrick] have built here is quite amazing and their results show for themselves. Dale and Kelley have meant a lot to me for some 30 years and I can’t wait to be part of this group. Plus, I get to be the lucky guy to lead two amazing young men that have a huge amount of talent and a big future in our sport.”
– Rodney Childers, Crew Chief, JR Motorsports.
Kelley Earnhardt Miller’s name is closely associated with the leadership at JR Motorsports, alongside Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Rick Hendrick. The trio’s work in developing young drivers like Zilisch and Kvapil has been crucial for the team’s ongoing success.
Zilisch and Kvapil’s Recent Achievements
Connor Zilisch, who finished his first full Xfinity season with nine wins, sixteen top-five finishes, and eighteen top-ten runs, will continue to add to his resume with this arrangement, all while debuting full-time in the Cup Series with Trackhouse Racing. Carson Kvapil, currently the primary driver for the No. 1, delivered a rookie campaign featuring six top fives and thirteen top tens. The 2026 schedule marks a change, potentially shifting him to a part-time presence unless new decisions are made.
The No. 1 team’s previous leader, Andrew Overstreet, is slated to remain with JR Motorsports, though his specific future responsibilities have not been detailed.
Career Movements and What Lies Ahead
Before this announcement, Childers was set to join Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 car with driver Justin Haley for 2025 but departed that team earlier this year. His switch to JR Motorsports reunites him with long-standing friends and colleagues while setting up an ambitious next chapter. For Zilisch, the 2026 season presents a chance to further cement his standing in the Xfinity Series while balancing a Cup Series debut. Trackhouse Racing and JR Motorsports both stand to gain from the expertise Childers brings, supported by names like Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kelley Earnhardt Miller, and Rick Hendrick.
The addition of Rodney Childers is expected to add more strategic strength and veteran leadership to JR Motorsports. As Connor Zilisch’s NASCAR Xfinity 2026 campaign draws closer, the focus will remain on how this collaboration shapes the trajectories of both young drivers and the team itself in a highly competitive series.
