Kevin Harvick sounds off on Rodney Childers joining JR Motorsports, Carson Kvapil in 2026

Veteran crew chief Rodney Childers will have a new gig in 2026. JR Motorsports announced last week that Childers will serve as crew chief for the No. 1 team in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.

Carson Kvapil and Connor Zilisch will split the driving duties throughout the season. Kevin Harvick, who worked with Childers during his tenure at Stewart-Haas Racing, sees the addition of Childers being valuable to Kvapil in particular.

“Here’s the thing about Carson, I think when you look back at last year, he was in contention a lot. Obviously, the cars have not been as capable as they need to be this year compared to the 88 and 8 on the racetrack,” Harvick said on Tuesday’s Happy Hour podcast. “I think that bringing Rodney in and being able to have that solid leadership of experience and all the things to go with what he will bring to the table. It’s gonna make Kvapil shine.

“That kid is good, and he’s a good racer, he proved that last year and the year before when he first got into that car. But he’s a winner, and I think that’s gonna show up next year. … I’m happy for JR Motorsports and Rodney to be able to put that all together to get him going.”

Rodney Childers lands new role with JR Motorsports

Childers was Harvick’s crew chief from 2014-2023, helping him earn 37 victories, 148 top 5s, 230 top 10s, and a Cup Series championship in 2014. He spent the 2024 season with Josh Berry before moving to Spire Motorsports ahead of the 2025 season. Childers and driver Justin Haley proved to not be a fit, and the former parted ways with Spire just nine races into the season.

Kvapil losing his full-time ride was a surprise, as he is currently competing for a championship. He sits fourth in the playoff standings, though he remains winless this season. So, he will share the ride with Zilisch, who will also compete full-time next season in Cup. Childers brings a ton of experience to the table, which just might be what the 22-year-old needs to get to that next level.

“I’m so excited to be joining the JRM family,” Childers said in a press release. “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.”