After a brief hiatus from NASCAR, Rodney Childers is set to make a triumphant return to the pit lane in 2026, joining JR Motorsports as the crew chief for their No. 1 car. This exciting news comes after a challenging 2025 season, where Childers, a veteran of the NASCAR Cup Series, had been working with Justin Haley at Spire Motorsports before his unexpected departure in April.
Childers’ career in NASCAR is nothing short of impressive. With 685 Cup Series races under his belt and 40 victories, he has consistently demonstrated his skill and leadership on the track. Known for his strategic thinking and ability to maximize a car’s performance, Childers is widely respected within the racing community. His abrupt exit from Spire Motorsports left many fans and insiders speculating about his next move, but it now appears he has found an exciting new chapter with JR Motorsports.
Earlier this month, Childers took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his passion and determination, stating, “I miss competing, yes every single day. I miss being a leader like I was good at. I know I can still do it better than most, and I’m more determined now than ever… But if no one is willing to take a chance in the cup garage, I’ll win in whatever I do.” Those words reflected both his drive and his readiness to tackle new challenges, and it seems JR Motorsports recognized the value he brings to any racing team.
In 2026, Childers will helm the No. 1 car for JR Motorsports, sharing duties between two young, promising drivers: Carson Kvapil and Connor Zilisch. Both drivers bring immense talent and energy to the team, making this collaboration a highly anticipated one for fans of the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. The blend of Childers’ experience and the young drivers’ fresh perspectives promises a compelling dynamic on race weekends.
Dale Earnhardt Jr., co-owner of JR Motorsports, shared his excitement about the addition of Childers to the team. “Rodney’s resume and career speak for itself,” he said in a team release. “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.”
For Childers, joining JR Motorsports is more than just a career move—it’s a reunion of sorts. “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.” He added enthusiastically, “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.”
As the 2026 season approaches, NASCAR fans have plenty to look forward to. Rodney Childers’ return not only adds a layer of experience and strategy to JR Motorsports but also highlights the continuing legacy of collaboration, mentorship, and competitive excellence that defines the sport. With Childers at the helm and two rising stars behind the wheel, the No. 1 car is poised to make waves and deliver thrilling moments on tracks across the country.
In a sport where leadership, quick decision-making, and a deep understanding of the mechanics and mentality of racing can make the difference between victory and defeat, Rodney Childers’ return to the NASCAR scene is a storyline that promises excitement, anticipation, and perhaps, a few memorable triumphs. The countdown to 2026 has begun, and the NASCAR world will be watching closely.