Dale Earnhardt Jr. and JR Motorsports are preparing for an exciting development in their Xfinity Series campaign by welcoming renowned crew chief Rodney Childers to their team in 2026, as Dale Earnhardt Jr JR Motorsports continues to shape its competitive edge in NASCAR. This strategic move takes place while Justin Allgaier and Connor Zilisch are competing fiercely in the present championship run, reinforcing JR Motorsports’ commitment to success in future seasons.
Rodney Childers Set to Join JRM for the 2026 Season
The announcement comes after Rodney Childers parted ways with Spire Motorsports earlier in 2025, and follows a challenging period for the accomplished crew chief. Now, Childers is set to bring his experience to the Xfinity Series under the JR Motorsports banner, having been influenced by the leadership and vision of Dale Earnhardt Jr. Childers recently disclosed that Earnhardt’s respected presence played a crucial role in his decision to join, highlighting the opportunity as the result of inspiring conversations and shared ambitions.
The move aligns with JR Motorsports’ broader plan, as the organization continues to mentor emerging talent like Connor Zilisch, signed by Trackhouse Racing for the Cup Series. During the 2025 season, Zilisch is learning from Earnhardt in the Xfinity Series, and his success so far has led to a return in the following year, where he will benefit from Childers’ championship-winning expertise.
A Renewed Partnership and Shared Dreams in NASCAR
Reflecting on the development, Childers spoke with enthusiasm about overcoming a difficult year and embracing a new chapter in his racing career. In a recent interview with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Childers shared:
“The last 12 months haven’t been the way that we wanted it to go, but everything happens for a reason. When Dale called me, and we sat down and talked about this, I was blown away honestly. What Dale means to me, what Kelly (Earnhardt Miller) means to me, what Mr. H (Rick Hendrick) means to me…it’s just a dream come true.”
— Rodney Childers, Crew Chief
Childers’ excitement continues to focus on racing achievements, as he emphasized:
“To me, it’s really about winning races.”
— Rodney Childers, Crew Chief
With his arrival, Childers looks forward to working alongside rising stars Zilisch and Carson Kvapil, planning to lead the JRM team’s No. 1 entry. The anticipation for 2026 centers around achieving more checkered flags and bolstering JRM’s standing within the Xfinity Series paddock.
The Enduring Bonds That Brought Childers to JR Motorsports
Dale Earnhardt Jr. weighed in on the new collaboration, shedding light on his longstanding relationship with Childers. Earnhardt explained that their connection originated in their youth and has endured through the years, noting:
“The relationship has always been close and has remained close to this day.”
— Dale Earnhardt Jr., Team Owner
Earnhardt expressed appreciation for finally having the chance to work directly with Childers in the garage, a scenario both have envisioned for some time. He praised Childers’ impressive resume and expressed gratitude for the timing of this new opportunity, especially with key talent like Carson Kvapil and Connor Zilisch continuing their development within the organization.
Childers is set to manage the No. 1 JRM team, with Zilisch and Kvapil sharing driving duties in part-time roles, strengthening the team’s bid for future championships.
Looking Ahead: High Expectations at JRM
The union of a championship-winning crew chief with Dale Earnhardt Jr. JR Motorsports signals an ambitious phase for the organization, aiming to harness Childers’ experience and the momentum of promising drivers such as Justin Allgaier, Connor Zilisch, and Carson Kvapil. This partnership is anticipated to foster both immediate race victories and long-term competitive growth, reinforcing JR Motorsports as a powerhouse in the Xfinity Series. With 2026 on the horizon, the team’s enhanced leadership and deep pool of talent are poised to leave a significant mark on NASCAR’s future seasons.
1⃣ "To me, it's really about winning races."@RodneyChilders4 calls joining @JRMotorsports a "dream come true" for 2026, is looking forward to hitting the ground running and chasing more checkered flags with @ConnorZilisch and @CarsonKvapil.
More → https://t.co/MKhd9eLpQA pic.twitter.com/ab8b2rQUeO
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) September 24, 2025
