Rodney Childers Joins JR Motorsports as 2026 No. 1 Crew Chief
The championship-winning Cup crew chief pivots to a developmental post to mentor Connor Zilisch, Carson Kvapil in JR Motorsports’ split No. 1 entry for 2026.
Overview
- JR Motorsports named Childers crew chief of its No. 1 Chevrolet for 2026, with Connor Zilisch and Carson Kvapil sharing the schedule in the rebranded O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
- Childers takes over from Andrew Overstreet, with JRM stating Overstreet will remain a key player within the organization.
- The assignment is Childers’ first as an Xfinity crew chief following a Cup career that includes 40 wins and the 2014 championship with Kevin Harvick.
- He parted ways with Spire Motorsports nine races into the 2025 Cup season after working with Justin Haley on the No. 7 team.
- Childers described the role as a dream scenario centered on driver development after a summer of CARS Tour success and increased family time.