Rodney Childers Returns to NASCAR as Crew Chief with JR Motorsports
FONTANA, CA - In a surprise move, Rodney Childers has announced his return to the NASCAR Cup Series as crew chief for JR Motorsports in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series (formerly Xfinity Series). The 40-time Cup Series winner parted ways with Spire Motorsports earlier this year and had been working on late models with Kevin Harvick.
Childers, who led Kevin Harvick to a championship in 2014, will be reunited with JR Motorsports, where he previously worked as crew chief from 2008-2011. He will oversee the teams' efforts for both Carson Kvapil and Connor Zilisch. Zilisch, a Cup Series rookie for Trackhouse Racing in 2026, will continue to compete part-time for JR Motorsports.
"I'm excited to be back in NASCAR and working with such a talented group of drivers," Childers said in a statement. "JR Motorsports has always been a top-notch organization, and I'm looking forward to contributing to their success."
Childers' return to the Cup Series marks a significant development for JR Motorsports, which is seeking to build on its recent successes. The team has won two Xfinity Series championships since 2017 and boasts a strong roster of drivers.
"Rodney's experience and expertise will be invaluable to our team," said Kelley Earnhardt Miller, co-owner of JR Motorsports. "We're thrilled to have him back in the fold."
Childers' departure from Spire Motorsports earlier this year was unexpected, but he has since been working on late models with Harvick. The move to JR Motorsports is seen as a significant coup for the team.
"Rodney's return to NASCAR is a testament to his passion and dedication to the sport," said Kevin Harvick, who worked with Childers during their championship-winning season in 2014. "He's a true champion, and I'm excited to see him back on the track."
The O'Reilly Auto Parts Series will begin its new season in February, with JR Motorsports looking to make a strong statement with Childers at the helm.
In related news, JR Motorsports has announced plans to rebrand as the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series. The team's drivers and crew chiefs are expected to undergo significant changes in the coming weeks.
As for Childers, his return to NASCAR marks a new chapter in his illustrious career. With 40 Cup Series wins under his belt, he is widely regarded as one of the most successful crew chiefs in the sport's history.
"I'm not done yet," Childers said with a smile. "I've got more wins left in me."
*Reporting by Forbes.*
