Rodney Childers has been a crew chief in the NASCAR Cup Series for 685 races, picking up 40 race wins along the way. For 2025, he was working with driver Justin Haley but he abruptly departed Spire Motorsports in April.
Rodney Childers abruptly departs Spire Motorsports
Earlier this month, Childers posted via X, “I miss competing, yes every single day. I miss being a leader like I was good at. I know I can still do it better than most, and I’m more determined now than ever.. But if no one is willing to take a chance in the cup garage, I’ll win in whatever I do.”
Now, Childers is making a return. In 2026, he’ll serve as the crew chief for the No. 1 car fielded by JR Motorsports. The car will be raced by both Carson Kvapil and Connor Zilisch in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
“Rodney’s resume and career speak for itself,” Dale Earnhardt Jr stated via a team release.
“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.”
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“I’m so excited to be joining the JRM family,” said Childers.
“To see what Dale, Kelley and Mr. H have built here is quite amazing and their results show for themselves. Dale and Kelley have meant a lot to me for some 30 years and I can’t wait to be part of this group.”
He added, “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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