Connor Zilisch is embarking on an exciting new chapter with the Connor Zilisch JR Motorsports partnership, teaming up with renowned crew chief Rodney Childers for the upcoming NASCAR Xfinity Series season. The announcement marks a noteworthy collaboration at JR Motorsports, as Childers prepares to bring his championship expertise to Zilisch and his teammates next season in North Carolina.
Rodney Childers Joins JR Motorsports Leadership Team
Rodney Childers, an established name with 40 Cup Series victories and a championship title, is set to lead JR Motorsports’ #1 Xfinity Series car, which will take on the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series name next year. Childers’ role as crew chief includes working with both Carson Kvapil and Connor Zilisch, though the specific races are yet to be confirmed.
This move sees Childers shift from his recent position with Justin Haley at Spire Motorsports, further expanding his impressive resume that notably features a 2014 NASCAR Cup championship alongside Kevin Harvick during their time with Stewart-Haas Racing.
Andrew Overstreet, who has been serving as the #1 car’s crew chief, will continue with the team and maintain a significant presence within the organization, ensuring continuity as Childers transitions into his new responsibilities.
Team Reactions and Social Media Highlights
The partnership quickly drew attention on social media, with NASCAR journalist Bob Pockrass sharing the news and Connor Zilisch expressing his enthusiasm for the opportunity:
“Excited to get the opportunity to work with @RodneyChilders4 next year at @JRMotorsports! Going to be fun.”
– Connor Zilisch, Driver
Childers himself shared his excitement about joining forces with Zilisch and the JR Motorsports program, acknowledging the team’s legacy and the potential ahead:
“I’m so excited to be joining the JRM family. 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
Dale Earnhardt Jr., legendary NASCAR Hall of Famer and co-owner of JR Motorsports, described his long-standing connection with Childers as a key factor in making this high-profile hire possible:
“Rodney’s resume and career speak for itself. 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., Co-owner, JR Motorsports
The People Behind JR Motorsports
JR Motorsports enjoys a strong leadership core, with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his sister Kelley Earnhardt Miller at the helm. The team benefits from additional ownership by Kelley’s husband, LW Miller, and Rick Hendrick, the respected proprietor of Hendrick Motorsports. Their collective oversight has established JR Motorsports as a force in the Xfinity Series and a reliable launchpad for emerging NASCAR talent.
Rodney Childers brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for cultivating triumphs in high-stakes racing. His history of success with teams like Stewart-Haas Racing and Spire Motorsports, as well as his celebrated partnership with Kevin Harvick, signals a new era of leadership and opportunity for up-and-coming drivers like Zilisch and Kvapil.
What This Collaboration Means for JR Motorsports and NASCAR
The addition of Childers is poised to elevate the competitive energy at JR Motorsports, reinforcing the team’s drive to secure more victories and championships in NASCAR’s second-tier series. The Connor Zilisch JR Motorsports partnership is particularly significant, as it pairs a promising young driver with a veteran leader, creating an environment ripe for growth and breakthrough results.
With the Xfinity Series’ reputation as an incubator for future Cup Series stars, JR Motorsports’ integration of Childers’ knowledge and leadership could offer Zilisch and Kvapil a distinct advantage as they aim for podium finishes and advance their careers. Fans and analysts alike are eager to witness how this dynamic pairing will influence both the team’s performance and the broader competition landscape in the coming season.
Looking forward, JR Motorsports and their new core of leadership stand well-positioned to sustain their legacy, while presenting Connor Zilisch and his teammates with a unique opportunity to challenge for the Xfinity Series title alongside the guidance of a proven winner like Rodney Childers.
Excited to get the opportunity to work with @RodneyChilders4 next year at @JRMotorsports! Going to be fun😎 https://t.co/JOUL0ndoIk
— Connor Zilisch (@ConnorZilisch) September 24, 2025
