Rodney Childers will call the shots for JR Motorsports beginning in 2026, steering the No. 1 Chevrolet shared by Carson Kvapil and Connor Zilisch in the NASCAR O\u2019Reilly Auto Parts Series. The move places a 40-time Cup race winner on the pit box in NASCAR\u2019s second-highest division for the first time, and Justin Allgaier believes his presence will be a game-changer for JRM.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Andrew Overstreet, who currently heads the No. 1 team, will remain a vital cog in the organization\u2019s plans for 2026.<\/p>\n
Childers\u2019 last Cup assignment came with Spire Motorsports on the No. 7 Chevrolet, but his legacy was cemented at Stewart-Haas Racing alongside Kevin Harvick.<\/p>\n
The Childers-Harvick tandem carved out one of the most dominant chapters in recent memory, amassing 37 wins, 148 top-fives, 230 top-10s, five Championship 4 berths, and the 2014 title across a decade-long run. He also helped guide Josh Berry during his tenure at SHR.<\/p>\n
Reflecting on the hire, Allgaier praised Childers\u2019 pedigree and what he can add to the group.<\/p>\n
\u201cGreat name to have, and obviously somebody that\u2019s been really influential in this sport. A lot of race wins and championships\u2026 obviously, we got to get him in the shop and get him involved with what we\u2019re doing at our shop. We have a great ecosystem at Junior Motorports. Crew chiefs, engineers, drivers, mechanics, everybody really has a really strong bond.\u201d<\/p>\n