Carson Kvapil has secured a collaboration with DGM Racing for a focused four-race effort in the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. The 22-year-old driver from Mooresville, North Carolina, is set to make his debut behind the wheel of DGM’s No. 91 Chevrolet Camaro entry at Circuit of the Americas on February 28, marking the start of this specialized campaign.
Following the opener, Kvapil’s schedule with DGM will include races at Watkins Glen International on May 9, Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 23, and Sonoma Raceway on June 27, completing his targeted commitment with the team for the season.
Balancing Drives: Kvapil’s Full-Time Plan with JR Motorsports and DGM Racing
This four-race stint with DGM Racing complements Kvapil’s full-time engagements in the 2026 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, where he will primarily compete for JR Motorsports (JRM). His main responsibility will be sharing the No. 1 Chevrolet Camaro at JRM, dividing driving duties with Connor Zilisch, a full-time NASCAR Cup Series competitor for Trackhouse Racing.
Kvapil becomes one of two JRM drivers managing a split schedule between JRM and another organization this year. His teammate Rajah Caruth splits time by driving 23 races in JRM’s No. 88 car and the remaining 10 for Jordan Anderson Racing’s No. 32 entry, reflecting a growing trend of versatile commitments within the racing series.
Kvapil’s Career Momentum and Performance Highlights
Carson Kvapil has established himself as a rising talent, holding two CARS Late Model Stock Tour championships and the 2021 CARS Super Late Model Tour title. His initial nine starts in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series with JRM in 2024 showcased his competitiveness, including three top-five finishes and a career-best second place at Dover Motor Speedway.
Entering the current season, Kvapil secured a full-time drive in JRM’s No. 1 entry, improving his performance with seven top-five finishes and 14 top-10 results over 33 races. Despite not recording a win, he led 104 laps and earned a spot in the Championship 4, ultimately finishing fourth in the 2025 driver standings.
Current Standings and Upcoming Race Highlights
As of early 2026, Kvapil stands third in the driver standings, trailing the points leader by 28 points. Recently, he finished seventh at the O’Reilly Auto Parts season opener at Daytona International Speedway. This weekend, he will continue to pilot the No. 1 JRM entry at EchoPark Speedway in Hampton, Georgia, aiming to improve his prospects in the Chase for the series championship.
The next race, the Bennett Transportation & Logistics 250, takes place on Saturday, February 21, with live coverage scheduled for 5 p.m. ET on the CW Network, PRN Radio, and SiriusXM.
Implications for Kvapil’s 2026 NASCAR Campaign
Carson Kvapil’s strategic partnership with DGM Racing represents a significant expansion in his 2026 NASCAR campaign, allowing increased exposure on diverse tracks and enhancing his competitive opportunities. Balancing commitments between JR Motorsports and DGM amplifies his experience and visibility, positioning him to contend for victories and a series championship.
This multifaceted approach also reflects evolving team dynamics within the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, as drivers split time across organizations to maximize performance and career development. Kvapil’s ongoing progress and adaptability will be key factors to watch throughout the remaining 2026 season.
