Childers, former Cup Series champion, new crew chief in Xfinity

Rodney Childers Finds New Direction at JR Motorsports

Following his departure from Spire Motorsports in April, Rodney Childers, known for leading Kevin Harvick to the Cup Series championship in 2014, has secured a new job. Childers will assume the crew chief role at JR Motorsports in the Xfinity Series, leading the No. 1 Chevrolet, which will be shared by Carson Kvapil and Connor Zilisch. This will be the first time Childers serves as a crew chief in the Xfinity Series.

Rodney’s resume and career speak for themselves.

Dale Earnhardt Jr., co-owner of JR Motorsports

Dale Earnhardt Jr., co-owner of JR Motorsports, expressed his enthusiasm for this addition. “Rodney and I grew up together and have known each other since we were kids. We’ve always been interested in working together in motorsports, and I’m grateful that this opportunity has come up and we could bring him into the JRM family,” he commented. Childers previously worked with Justin Haley at Spire, but the relationship came to an end, according to statements from both the driver and the team principal. During his time at Stewart-Haas Racing, Childers achieved 40 victories and the Cup title with Harvick. Subsequently, he worked with Josh Berry in 2024, the last year of Stewart-Haas Racing’s existence.

NASCAR Confirms Jusan Hamilton’s Departure

NASCAR announced on Saturday the departure of Jusan Hamilton, race director, with six races remaining to finish the season. He is no longer listed as a NASCAR employee, where his official title was general manager of competition operations. Hamilton started in NASCAR as an intern in 2012 and returned in 2016, performing various roles. He oversaw NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program, the development of pit crews, and NASCAR’s iRacing racing divisions, in addition to serving as a race director. Hamilton played a key role in defining the annual calendar and that of each race weekend. His first event as race director was in 2018 at Pocono Raceway. In 2022, Hamilton became the first Black race director to officiate the Daytona 500.