JR Motorsports will pay tribute to Dale Earnhardt Sr. with a celebrated paint scheme for the 2026 Xfinity Series, as shared by Kelley Earnhardt-Miller on December 4, 2025. The announcement comes as the team introduces new looks and finalizes its competitive driver lineup, including Ross Chastain, for the coming season.
Recently, Kelley Earnhardt-Miller, sister of former NASCAR Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., showcased the new livery for the JR Motorsports entries. The design honors Dale Earnhardt Sr., the legendary seven-time Cup Series champion who raced the famous #3 Chevy for Richard Childress Racing. Earnhardt Sr. began with the team in 1984, collecting 67 wins, an impressive 227 top-five finishes, 348 top-tens, and 18 poles before his passing in 2001. His remarkable success solidified his legacy in NASCAR history.
Paying Tribute with a Classic Look
The signature color scheme synonymous with Dale Earnhardt Sr. will appear once again on track in 2026, thanks to JR Motorsports. Kelley Earnhardt-Miller recently posted a photo standing in front of the #7 car painted in her father’s iconic livery, indicating the enduring impact of his racing career on the family team’s identity and culture. The chosen livery was created by renowned designer Sam Bass, who worked closely with Earnhardt Sr. on multiple car designs.
“A great day revealing the new Carolina Carports design for next year! This design is one of many that Sam Bass created for Dad and it’ll be great to see this hit the track next year!”
– Kelley Earnhardt-Miller, JR Motorsports Co-Owner
Team Roster and Ross Chastain Involvement
For the 2026 season, JR Motorsports will run five cars, with both veteran and emerging talent in its ranks. Justin Allgaier, an Xfinity Series champion, will compete in the #7 Chevy, partnering with Carson Kvapil and Connor Zilisch, who will share driving duties in the #1 car. Notably, Cup Series regular Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen, both racing part-time, will take on select events in the #9 entry, while Truck Series standout Rajah Caruth will handle the #88 ride. This dynamic composition promises a blend of experience and rising potential throughout the season.
The excitement around Ross Chastain’s involvement with JR Motorsports is particularly high, as his established reputation in the NASCAR Cup Series brings added attention and expectation to the team’s ambitions in Xfinity.
Changes Behind the Scenes: Crew Chief Movement
Major changes are also underway behind the pit wall for JR Motorsports. The team will see the departure of Jim Pohlman—crew chief for Justin Allgaier on the #7 Chevy—as he transitions to a new opportunity in the Cup Series. Pohlman, who previously worked with Richard Childress Racing in the 2022 season, will replace Randall Burnett as the #8 Chevy crew chief for the 2026 campaign. Pohlman played a vital role in JR Motorsports’ success, guiding Justin Allgaier to his first Xfinity Series championship in 2024.
“It is hard to replace a guy like Jim. I told Jim I wanted him to stay, but I knew that he had this opportunity and that it was great for him to go and hear it out, right?”
– Dale Earnhardt Jr., JR Motorsports Co-Owner
“Um, he’s worked at RCR before, so he knows that environment. He would know himself whether that’s a comfortable environment for him. He’s been there. And, uh, you know, he made the choice to go, and I love it. I think, you know, it’s tough to replace him,” he added.
– Dale Earnhardt Jr., JR Motorsports Co-Owner
This leadership shift at JR Motorsports is part of broader changes across NASCAR teams, with Richard Childress Racing making adjustments following ongoing struggles for Kyle Busch. The 2024 and 2025 seasons saw Busch miss the playoffs and end a long-standing streak of yearly wins, prompting the reshuffle within the organization.
What This Means for the Upcoming Season
JR Motorsports’ decision to honor Dale Earnhardt Sr. with a classic paint scheme, combined with a strong and diverse driver lineup that includes Ross Chastain, shows the team’s commitment to racing heritage and future success. The changes within the crew also reflect the high stakes and evolving landscape of professional NASCAR competition. As JR Motorsports prepares for 2026, fans can expect heightened anticipation and emotional connection when these bold designs hit the track, serving both as a tribute to history and a statement of intent for the races ahead.
A great day revealing the new Carolina Carports design for next year!
This design is one of many that Sam Bass created for Dad and it’ll be great to see this hit the track next year! pic.twitter.com/QGJm9vElCl
— Kelley Earnhardt (@EarnhardtKelley) December 4, 2025
