A New Era for JRM: Champion Crew Chief Rodney Childers officially joins JR Motorsports for the 2026 season, bringing elite technical leadership to the organization.
NASCAR Xfinity Series 2026
Rodney Childers: Revitalizing JR Motorsports
After a storied Cup Series career, Rodney Childers has found a new sense of passion at JR Motorsports, clocking in early to lead the next generation of talent.
Tasked with the No. 1 car driven by Carson Kvapil and Connor Zilisch, the 2014 champion crew chief is already elevating the organization’s standard of excellence.
🏁 The Cup Standard at JRM
Childers brings a “Cup process” to the Xfinity level, focusing on the small details that redefine an organization. His presence has been felt across the shop, contributing to a streak of five consecutive wins for the team.
Justin Allgaier’s Perspective
“Rodney has seen it all and been ultra-successful at the highest level… he brings a competitiveness and a willingness to say good enough is never good enough.”
Carson Kvapil’s Growth
“He’s just a good leader for the whole team. Everyone loves him… we all want to do our best for him.”
Developing Future Stars
Avoiding Info Overload
Childers emphasizes not over-coaching Kvapil, trusting the young driver’s natural talent while focusing on providing the fastest car possible.
Execution & Speed
With three front-row starts in the first six races, the No. 1 team has shown elite pace, nearing that breakthrough first victory.
“I feel at home and I wake up every morning excited. I’m still about the first one there and the last one to leave and have a lot of ideas and thoughts about how to make things better.”
— Rodney Childers, Crew Chief
The Childers Legacy: Cup Series Credentials
Milestone
Achievement Details
Impact at JRM
Cup Championship
2014 Series Title Winner
Championship Mentality
Career Victories
40 NASCAR Cup Series Wins
Winning Culture
Playoff Experience
10 Consecutive Qualifications
Strategic Pressure Handling
Crown Jewel Wins
Southern 500 & Brickyard 400
Big-Race Execution
*Rodney Childers’ transition to JRM marks one of the most significant crew chief moves in Xfinity Series history.
