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2w ago

Rodney Childers Named JR Motorsports No. 1 Crew Chief for 2026 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series

The Cup title‑winning strategist takes a driver‑development role at JRM to guide Carson Kvapil plus Connor Zilisch in a split No. 1.

Kevin Harvick, driver of the #4 Grave Digger Ford, and crew chief Rodney Childers (R) talk on the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway on June 20, 2021 in Lebanon, Tennessee.
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Rodney Childers
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Overview

  • JR Motorsports confirmed the No. 1 Chevrolet will be shared in 2026 by Carson Kvapil and Connor Zilisch with race counts to be announced.
  • The move marks Childers’ first crew chief assignment at the Xfinity level as the series rebrands to the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series next season.
  • Andrew Overstreet, who has led the No. 1 program, will remain with JRM in a key capacity in 2026.
  • Childers left Spire Motorsports after nine races in April 2025 and worked in late‑model competition over the summer before accepting the JRM role.
  • Zilisch is slated to balance part‑time starts for JRM with his first full Cup Series season at Trackhouse Racing in 2026.