Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, and the full roster of Hendrick Motorsports drivers will join forces with Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s JR Motorsports for the Kyle Larson 2026 O’Reilly Series, forming a powerhouse alliance. This collaboration brings top talent like Rajah Caruth and NASCAR Cup Series champions together in the No. 88 car, as part of a drive to secure the owner’s championship in the coming season.
Hendrick Motorsports and JR Motorsports Strengthen Their Partnership
The bond between Hendrick Motorsports and JR Motorsports will see a significant expansion in 2026, as all four Hendrick drivers—Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, William Byron, and Alex Bowman—are set to pilot the iconic No. 88 Chevrolet in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. This initiative is the product of a joint venture with strong aspirations for the owner championship, making the team a formidable force in the series.
Rajah Caruth, who is under contract with Hendrick Motorsports, will take on the primary driving duties for the No. 88 car, racing full-time in the second tier of competition. His schedule includes 16 regular season events and the entire seven-race playoff stint with JR Motorsports. For an additional 10 regular season appearances, Caruth will compete with Jordan Anderson Racing, further developing his skills alongside NASCAR’s elite.
Hendrick Stars’ Race Schedules for the 2026 O’Reilly Series
William Byron will kick off the 2026 campaign as the first Hendrick driver to suit up for JR Motorsports, taking the wheel at Phoenix Raceway before also competing at Kansas and Pocono. Two-time Cup Series champion Kyle Larson is slated to make his series starts at Las Vegas, Bristol, and Texas, bringing a wealth of experience and recent Cup success to the O’Reilly Series.
Chase Elliott, who earned his Cup title in 2020, will add firepower to the late-season stretch when he races the No. 88 at Chicagoland and Indianapolis, providing a rally in the crucial second half of the year. Alex Bowman, aiming to return to victory lane, has selected Darlington and Nashville for his O’Reilly Series appearances, each track representing a strategic opportunity for success in 2026.
Strong Leadership and Shared Ambitions from Hendrick and Earnhardt
Team owner Rick Hendrick expressed enthusiasm for the expanded collaboration, underscoring the competitive edge achieved by fielding all four star drivers alongside emerging talent Rajah Caruth.
“We’re looking forward to our program with JR Motorsports, both on and off the track. Having our four Cup Series drivers join Rajah in the No. 88 provides HendrickCars.com a powerful platform with a championship organization. This team is capable of competing for race wins throughout the 2026 season, and we’re excited about what’s ahead.
Rick Hendrick via a statement.”
JR Motorsports co-owner Kelley Earnhardt Miller mirrored this optimism, emphasizing the deep-rooted relationship between the two organizations and its impact on their championship ambitions.
“We couldn’t be happier to welcome back all four of Hendrick Motorsports’ drivers into the JRM family to join Rajah (Caruth) behind the wheel of our No. 88 Chevrolet. Chase, William, Alex and Kyle all have such a unique history with us and it’s just a testament to the relationship that we have built with Mr. Hendrick…that we can bring them all together with Rajah to race for an owner’s championship in 2026.
Kelley Earnhardt Miller asserted.”
The leadership perspectives from Rick Hendrick and Kelley Earnhardt highlight their mutual confidence in the team’s readiness and the unique strengths each driver brings. The collaboration also represents a premier learning platform for Rajah Caruth, who will undoubtedly benefit from sharing the car with seasoned Cup veterans like Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, William Byron, and Alex Bowman.
Anticipated Impact on the 2026 O’Reilly Series Season
With the orchestrated effort between Hendrick Motorsports and JR Motorsports, the No. 88 entry stands out as a top contender for race victories and the overall owner’s title in 2026. The blend of championship experience, emerging talent, and strategic planning is expected to challenge rivals across the O’Reilly Series calendar, from venues like Bristol and Las Vegas to the late-season showdowns at Chicagoland and Indianapolis.
For fans, the prospect of seeing stars such as Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott behind the wheel of the No. 88 car alongside Rajah Caruth adds a new level of excitement to the series. As anticipation builds, this joint venture is likely to set new standards in competition and teamwork, shaping the narrative for the 2026 racing season.
