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Rodney Childers to join JR Motorsports as crew chief in 2026

Brian Jones Profile Picby: Brian Jones09/24/25brianjones_93
Rodney Childers
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

JR Motorsports (JRM) announced on Wednesday that former NASCAR Cup Series Champion crew chief Rodney Childers will be joining the organization in 2026. He will serve as the crew chief of the No. 1 Chevrolet with drivers Carson Kvapil and Connor Zilisch in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.

Childers was previously the crew chief for the No. 7 Chevrolet for Spire Motorsports, but is known for leading the teams of Kevin Harvick and Josh Berry at Stewart-Haas Racing. Childers was Harvick’s crew chief from 2014 to 2023 and helped him earn 37 victories, 148 top-five finishes, 230 top-10 finishes, and one NASCAR Cup Series Championship in 2014.

“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.”

More on Rodney Childers and JR Motorsports

“Rodney’s resume and career speak for itself,” JRM team owner and NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. said. “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 joined Spire Motorsports this past offseason but left the organization before the spring Talladega race in April. “I know this is a shock. But also know that not everything works out perfect all the time. That’s how life works,” Childers said in a note posted to social media. “This was just one of those things that just wasn’t working for either of us. I appreciate my time at Spire, working with JH and the entire 7 team. We did a lot of good that is yet to be seen, and I wish them the best in the future.”

The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series 2026 season will begin at Daytona on Feb. 14. JR Motorsports has four full-time drivers in the series this year, including Zilisch, who is first in the current playoff standings.