Denny Hamlin expressed strong confidence in Rodney Childers’ future achievements after Childers joined JR Motorsports for the 2026 NASCAR season. Speaking on the Actions Detrimental podcast, Hamlin highlighted Childers’ skills and potential fit with the team, emphasizing how this move could lead to significant success.
Hamlin Highlights Childers’ Strengths and Fit with JR Motorsports
Hamlin praised Childers for his hands-on approach as a crew chief, noting that his ability to directly influence the car is a key asset. Reflecting on Childers’ experience with the NextGen cars, Hamlin noted improvement despite challenges faced with his previous organization during a downturn phase. Hamlin said,
“That’s great for Rodney. I think this is actually a good place for Rodney, if you ask me,”
adding,
“I think Rodney is one of those crew chiefs that excels when he can put his hands on the car. If you kind of look at his NextGen history, it’s actually quite good as well. Was it what was pre-NextGen? No, but things changed, and he was with an organization that was kind of on its downhill slide.”
Denny Hamlin
He further described JR Motorsports as a “good fit” for Childers and predicted that he will enjoy “a ton of success.” Childers arrives at JR Motorsports following an early 2025 stint with Spire Motorsports.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Welcomes Childers to JR Motorsports
Rodney Childers is now set to lead the No. 1 Chevrolet as crew chief in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, working with drivers Carson Kvapil and Connor Zilisch. His previous role included serving as crew chief for Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet. Childers also earned distinction for his long tenure with Stewart-Haas Racing, where he led Kevin Harvick and Josh Berry’s teams.
Childers’ partnership with Harvick from 2014 to 2023 produced impressive milestones, including 37 wins, 148 top-five finishes, 230 top-10 finishes, and a NASCAR Cup Series Championship in 2014. Dale Earnhardt Jr., owner of JR Motorsports and a NASCAR Hall of Famer, praised Childers’ credentials:
“Rodney’s resume and career speak for itself,”
he said.
“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.”
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Looking Ahead to Childers’ Debut Season with JR Motorsports
Fans can anticipate seeing Childers in action with JR Motorsports when the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series kicks off at Daytona on February 14. The entire series will be broadcast on The CW, providing widespread exposure for the team and its new crew chief. Childers’ arrival represents a significant addition to JR Motorsports, likely elevating the team’s performance and competitiveness in the upcoming season.
