As most NASCAR teams and drivers look forward to some well-earned downtime after the season finale in Phoenix, headlines in Dale Earnhardt Jr news highlight a different approach for Rodney Childers. Childers, the seasoned crew chief once partnered with Kevin Harvick and most recently with Spire’s No. 7 Chevrolet, is shifting gears immediately to his new position at JR Motorsports, owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr. He will take command of the No. 1 pit-box in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, overseeing a car driven by both Carson Kvapil and Connor Zilisch during the season.
Preparing for the Next Challenge in the Xfinity Series
Childers is not a stranger to NASCAR’s top tier, having amassed 40 Cup Series victories and years of experience through partnerships with drivers like Josh Berry and organizations such as Stewart-Haas Racing. His move to the Xfinity Series as a full-time crew chief marks a fresh chapter in his career. When asked about his preparation for this new responsibility, Childers reflected on the transition away from a typical offseason.
“It’s going really well so far. Like you said, I mean, everybody else is ready for a break, and I’ve had enough break. I’m ready, I’m ready to go.”
— Rodney Childers, Crew Chief
He acknowledged the unique timing of his move, with others anticipating time off for family and holidays. Childers commented,
“So, going to be a little bit odd for me over the next couple months as everybody kind of spends their time with their families and Thanksgiving and Christmas and everything else, where I’ve been at home a lot over the past six months and ready to get going.”
— Rodney Childers, Crew Chief
Immersing Himself in JR Motorsports Operations
Childers quickly began familiarizing himself with the JR Motorsports shop environment, working closely with the team as two of their cars pursue the Championship 4. His dedication is evident as he interacts with staff and analyzes processes in detail. Childers explained his initial efforts:
“For me, it’s just been a lot of walking around, meeting people, talking to people, getting different people’s opinions, asking lots and lots of questions. Looking at the cars, the details, taking notes of little tiny things that maybe could be better, and just trying to take it all in,”
— Rodney Childers, Crew Chief
As activity within the shop intensifies during this crucial stage in the season, Childers is fully engaged, stating,
“But it’s definitely a busy time inside these walls,”
— Rodney Childers, Crew Chief
Navigating Restrictions and Looking Ahead
Although Childers intended to visit Martinsville to observe the race operations in person, NASCAR’s strict event roster limits prevented his attendance trackside this weekend. However, he has been granted access to pre-race technical inspections, giving him a close-up look at the Xfinity Series format ahead of his debut. While he won’t be physically present for the upcoming races at Martinsville or Phoenix, Childers appears motivated and well-prepared for the demands of his new position at JR Motorsports.
This transition signifies more than just a career pivot for Childers; it also marks an important development for JR Motorsports under the guidance of Dale Earnhardt Jr. As the team continues its championship campaign, having a veteran like Childers promises to bring fresh energy and experience to their efforts next season. Observers will watch with keen interest to see how his leadership influences the performance of Carson Kvapil, Connor Zilisch, and the entire No. 1 crew in the competitive landscape of NASCAR’s Xfinity Series.
