Carson Kvapil, who reached the Championship 4 as a rookie in last season’s Xfinity Series, is set to chase a championship again as he competes full-time in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series this year. His quest for the Carson Kvapil Championship Chase remains wide open as he balances multiple team commitments to maximize his chances.
Kvapil Expands Schedule with New Team DGM Racing
Kvapil has added to his 2026 racing calendar by joining DGM Racing, where he will pilot the No. 91 Chevrolet in four races. His starts will include high-profile tracks such as Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, Watkins Glen International, Charlotte Motor Speedway in May, and Sonoma Raceway. This opportunity gives Kvapil strong exposure in diverse conditions and on both road and oval courses.
Adding Carson to the lineup 🧑🧑🧒🧒 @JRMotorsports Driver, @CarsonKvapil will pilot the No. 91 at four @NASCAROReillyAP races filling out the remainder of his full time schedule. pic.twitter.com/IM80KzpGgh
— DGM Racing (@DGMRacingFL) February 18, 2026
JR Motorsports Confirms Full-Time Commitment for Kvapil
Earlier announcements from JR Motorsports indicated that Kvapil would scale back to a part-time role, sharing the No. 1 entry with Connor Zilisch under crew chief Rodney Childers. However, team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. recently clarified that Kvapil will actually run full-time in the 2026 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, dividing his races among different cars to enhance his championship bid.
Currently, Kvapil is expected to make 24 starts in the No. 1 Chevrolet, with five additional starts sharing the No. 9 Chevrolet alongside drivers Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen. The No. 1 car, sponsored primarily by Champion Irrigation Products, is slated for key events such as spring races at Darlington and Talladega, as well as the fall race at Phoenix.
Strong Start to the Season Highlights Kvapil’s Potential
Kvapil began the season with a solid performance at Daytona, driving the No. 1 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports and finishing seventh overall. This result came alongside top-10 finishes from all four JR Motorsports drivers at the race, demonstrating strong team form. Kvapil’s performance featured top-three finishes in both stages, setting a positive tone for the rest of his Championship Chase.
P7 finish in the @NASCAROReillyAP race at Daytona in the #1 @JRMotorsports @BassProShops @TeamChevy. Top 3 finishes in both stages made for a great points day overall. Excited for what this year has to come! Huge thank you to Johnny Morris, @BassProShops and @TeamChevy! pic.twitter.com/RGckANYby0
— Carson Kvapil (@Carson_Kvapil) February 17, 2026
Competitive Field and Team Dynamics in 2026
Alongside Kvapil, JR Motorsports’ lineup includes seasoned drivers such as Justin Allgaier, who finished second behind Austin Hill of Richard Childress Racing at Daytona, as well as Sammy Smith and part-time competitor Rajah Caruth, who concluded his JR Motorsports debut with a tenth-place finish. This strong team depth creates a competitive environment that could help Kvapil sharpen his skills throughout the season.
Outlook for Kvapil’s Championship Pursuit
Carson Kvapil’s full-time effort across multiple cars and his extended race schedule underline his determination to remain a championship contender in 2026. With support from JR Motorsports, DGM Racing, and sponsors like Champion Irrigation Products and Bass Pro Shops, Kvapil is positioned to build on his rookie success and keep his championship aspirations alive as the season progresses.
Adding Carson to the lineup 🧑🧑🧒🧒 @JRMotorsports Driver, @CarsonKvapil will pilot the No. 91 at four @NASCAROReillyAP races filling out the remainder of his full time schedule. pic.twitter.com/IM80KzpGgh
— DGM Racing (@DGMRacingFL) February 18, 2026
P7 finish in the @NASCAROReillyAP race at Daytona in the #1 @JRMotorsports @BassProShops @TeamChevy. Top 3 finishes in both stages made for a great points day overall. Excited for what this year has to come! Huge thank you to Johnny Morris, @BassProShops and @TeamChevy! pic.twitter.com/RGckANYby0
— Carson Kvapil (@Carson_Kvapil) February 17, 2026
