From the start of the 2026 season, Rodney Childers will call the shots for JR Motorsports’ No. 1 Chevrolet, driven by Carson Kvapil and Connor Zilisch in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Yes, a 40-time Cup race winner on the pit box in NASCAR’s second tier. Now, that’s a first. And Andrew Overstreet, who currently heads the No. 1 team, will remain a vital cog in the organization’s plans for 2026.
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Childers’ last Cup assignment came with Spire Motorsports on the No. 7 Chevrolet. But his legacy was cemented at Stewart-Haas Racing alongside Kevin Harvick, whose partnership amassed 37 wins, 148 top-fives, 230 top-10s, five Championship 4 berths, and the 2014 title in a run that lasted a decade. Childers also helped guide Josh Berry during his tenure at SHR.
Justin Allgaier believes Childers’ presence will be a game-changer for JRM. “Great name to have, and obviously somebody that’s been really influential in this sport. A lot of race wins and championships,” he said.
“Obviously, we [have] got to get him in the shop and get him involved with what we’re doing at our shop. We have a great ecosystem at Junior Motorports. Crew chiefs, engineers, drivers, mechanics, everybody really has a really strong bond,” added Allgaier.
Childers’ knowledge and work ethic would sharpen JRM’s edge, added the 2024 Xfinity Series champion. “You add somebody that’s got the success that he’s got and the work ethic and the knowledge, I think that that helps kind of make for a potent combination,” he said.
“And we’ve obviously been running really good. There’s no doubt he’ll bring good information and good work ethic, and so I’m excited to see him get there, and I’ve gotten along with Rodney for a number of years now on the circuit and been around him a lot,” elaborated Allgaier, adding that he looks forward to tapping into Childers’ racing mind to improve.
With JR Motorsports already the benchmark team in Xfinity this season, pairing Childers with Kvapil and Zilisch is viewed as a move that could raise the bar higher.
