Rodney Childers, renowned for his success as a Cup Series crew chief, is set to become the next crew chief of Dale Earnhardt Jr. JR Motorsports’ No. 1 Chevrolet in 2026, bringing his extensive experience to the team as it enters the freshly branded O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. This striking move, announced after Childers’ unexpected midseason exit from Spire Motorsports earlier in the year, reshapes the NASCAR landscape as he partners with young drivers Carson Kvapil and Connor Zilisch.
Career Shifts: A Surprising Exit and a New Chapter
Earlier in 2025, Childers’ sudden departure from his position at Spire Motorsports left many in the NASCAR community stunned. Known for guiding the No. 7 Chevrolet in the Cup Series, Childers’ legacy is closely linked to his partnership with Kevin Harvick at Stewart-Haas Racing. With Harvick, he celebrated 37 victories, 148 Top-five finishes, 230 Top-10s, and guided the team to five Championship 4 appearances, clinching the 2014 Cup championship.
Following Harvick’s retirement in 2023, Childers mentored Josh Berry in his first Cup season, helping him secure two top-five and four top-10 finishes in the No. 4 car. However, the closure of Stewart-Haas Racing and Berry’s move to Wood Brothers Racing left Childers temporarily sidelined and without a Cup Series roster spot. He pursued a stint at Spire alongside Justin Haley but departed after only nine races, continuing his involvement in racing by assisting Harvick in the CARS Late Model Series during this transition.
Opportunity at JR Motorsports Unfolds
Childers’ prospects took a positive turn when Dale Earnhardt Jr. reached out to offer him the role of crew chief for the part-time No. 1 entry—shared by emerging talents Connor Zilisch and Carson Kvapil—at JR Motorsports for 2026.
“I’m so excited to be joining the JRM family,”
Childers said.
“To see what Dale, Kelley and Mr. H have built here is quite amazing and their results speak 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
Earnhardt’s Perspective and Team Outlook
Dale Earnhardt Jr. matched Childers’ enthusiasm, emphasizing the strength of Childers’ record and the personal relationship they share going back to their youth. Dale Jr. noted that working with Childers had always been an aspiration, and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to finally welcome him into the JR Motorsports organization.
Significance for NASCAR’s Upcoming Season
This alliance gives both Childers and JR Motorsports a promising outlook for the coming NASCAR season, with the team poised to compete against the best in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Backed by Dale Earnhardt Jr., the leadership of Kelley Earnhardt Miller, and the skills of Childers, JR Motorsports’ new lineup of Kvapil and Zilisch is positioned as a formidable force, signaling fresh excitement and renewed ambitions for fans, sponsors, and the broader NASCAR community.
