Rodney Childers has been selected as the JR Motorsports crew chief for 2026, marking his debut as a crew chief in the Xfinity Series, which will be known as the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series starting next season. Childers is set to oversee the No. 1 Chevrolet, bringing extensive NASCAR experience to his new role.
Childers Brings Proven Success to JR Motorsports
With a motorsports career spanning over 600 Cup races, Rodney Childers boasts 40 race victories and famously guided Kevin Harvick to the 2014 NASCAR Cup Series championship. He most recently worked with Spire Motorsports after a successful decade at Stewart-Haas Racing. Before his tenure at SHR, Childers played a critical role in leading Michael Waltrip Racing to its earliest and final wins prior to the team’s closure.
Following his separation from Spire Motorsports during the 2025 season, Childers’ arrival at JR Motorsports has generated optimism within the organization. Team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr., a NASCAR Hall of Famer, expressed his confidence in the hire, stating,
“Rodney’s resume and career speak for itself,”
and adding,
“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., Team Owner
Driver Lineup Adjustments for 2026
The driver lineup for the No. 1 car will also see changes next year. Carson Kvapil, who has served as the full-time driver, will move into a part-time schedule. He will split driving duties with Connor Zilisch, who is set to participate in selected races while also embarking on his first full Cup season with Trackhouse Racing. The reshuffling aims to maximize the talents and development opportunities for both Kvapil and Zilisch.
Childers Eager to Take on New Challenge
For Childers, the move marks not just a new chapter but his first time leading a team in NASCAR’s second-tier series.
“I’m so excited to be joining the JRM family,”
said Childers.
“To see what Dale, Kelley and Mr. H 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
Andrew Overstreet, currently the crew chief for the No. 1 car, will remain with JR Motorsports in a new capacity. Notably, despite the organization’s considerable achievements this season, the No. 1 team is still in pursuit of its inaugural victory for 2025, a milestone Childers will be focused on achieving.
Looking Toward 2026 and Beyond
With the appointment of Rodney Childers as the JR Motorsports crew chief for 2026, the team is positioned to leverage his leadership and vast experience as it enters a new era under the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series banner. The changes to the driver lineup, alongside Childers’ arrival, signal a fresh direction for the No. 1 Chevrolet as JR Motorsports aims for greater competitiveness and trips to Victory Lane in the seasons ahead.
