KANSAS CITY, Mo. – On Wednesday, JR Motorsports announced that former NASCAR Cup Series Champion crew chief Rodney Childers will be joining the organization in 2026.
Childers will work with drivers Carson Kvapil and Connor Zilisch in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Childers has been to victory lane 40 times in his career.
“Rodney’s resume and career speak for itself,” said JRM team owner and Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
“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’ most successful run as a crew chief was with Kevin Harvick at Stewart-Haas Racing from 2014 to 2023. They amassed 37 wins, 148 top-fives, 203 top 10s and five Championship 4 appearances, including the 2014 championship.
“I’m so excited to be joining the JRM family,” said Childers.
“To see Dale, Kelly and Mr. H have built here is quite amazing and their results show for themselves. Dale and Kelly have meant a lot to me for some 30 years and I can’t wait to be a 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.”
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