JR Motorsports announced today that veteran NASCAR Cup Series crew chief Rodney Childers will join the organization in 2026, taking the helm of the No. 1 Chevrolet in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series with drivers Carson Kvapil and Connor Zilisch.

Childers, a 40-time race winner at NASCAR’s highest level, will step into the second tier of competition for the first time in his career. Known for his championship-winning tenure with Kevin Harvick at Stewart-Haas Racing, Childers brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to JRM’s driver development program.

“Rodney’s resume and career speak for itself,” said JRM team owner and NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. “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.”

Childers most recently served as crew chief for the No. 7 Chevrolet at Spire Motorsports, but his most iconic success came at Stewart-Haas Racing. From 2014 through Harvick’s retirement in 2023, Childers and Harvick combined for 37 wins, 148 top-fives, 230 top-10s and five Championship 4 appearances, capped by the 2014 Cup Series championship.

“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 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.”

Childers will oversee the unique dual-driver effort of Kvapil and Zilisch in 2026, both regarded as rising stars with significant potential. Andrew Overstreet, a key figure at JRM since 2020, will continue playing a vital role with the team as it prepares for next season.

Additional crew chief and driver lineup announcements for JRM’s 2026 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series campaign are expected in the coming months.