Carson Kvapil Secures Full-Time JR Motorsports Ride for 2026 NASCAR Xfinity Series Season

Mooresville, North Carolina – Carson Kvapil will compete full-time for JR Motorsports in the 2026 NASCAR Xfinity Series season, building on a successful run to the Championship 4 in 2025. The announcement solidifies Kvapil’s position as a rising star in NASCAR, despite a unique racing situation throughout the 2026 season.

From Part-Time to Full-Time: Kvapil’s Journey

Initially slated for a part-time schedule with JR Motorsports in 2025, Kvapil’s performance quickly changed those plans. After teammate Connor Zilisch announced his move to the Cup Series with Trackhouse Racing, JR Motorsports confirmed Kvapil would share the No. 1 Chevrolet throughout the 2026 O’Reilly Series.

Kvapil’s strong performance, reaching the Championship 4 even without a regular-season win, cemented his place with the team. He will continue to pilot the No. 1 Chevrolet for a majority of the races, while too sharing the No. 9 Chevrolet in select events and the No. 91 Chevrolet with DGM Racing with Jesse Iwuji Motorsports.

A Rotating Ride in 2026

The 2026 season has presented a unique challenge for Kvapil, as he has switched cars for four consecutive races. He began the year with back-to-back races in the No. 1 car, then transitioned to the No. 91 Chevrolet at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) before returning to the No. 1 at Phoenix Raceway, where he achieved a season-best third-place finish. He recently raced the No. 9 car at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and will return to the No. 1 Chevrolet for this weekend’s race at Darlington Raceway.

JR Motorsports plans to continue utilizing the No. 9 Chevrolet, with Ross Chastain, a full-time Trackhouse Racing Cup driver, scheduled to drive it at Darlington. Shane van Gisbergen, also a full-time Trackhouse Racing Cup Series driver, previously won a race at COTA in the No. 9 Chevrolet earlier this year. Lee Pulliam is also confirmed to make his series debut in the No. 9 car at Martinsville Speedway.

Kvapil’s Background and Achievements

Born May 22, 2003, in Mooresville, North Carolina, Carson Wade Kvapil is the son of 2003 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion Travis Kvapil and the older brother of Super Late Model driver Caden Kvapil. He has a strong racing pedigree, with multiple championships in various racing series, including:

• 2021 CARS Super Late Model Tour Champion
• 2022, 2023 CARS Late Model Stock Tour Champion
• 2020 Carolina Pro Late Model Series Champion
• 2024 ValleyStar Credit Union 300 Winner
• 2022 Window World 125 Winner
• 2022 Old North State Nationals Winner
• 2024 Icebreaker 125 Winner
• 2019 CARS Super Late Model Tour Rookie of the Year

Looking Ahead

Saturday’s Sport Clips Haircuts VFW 200 at Darlington Raceway will be broadcast live on the CW Network starting at 5:30 p.m. ET. With a full-time ride secured for 2026, Carson Kvapil is poised to continue his ascent in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, showcasing his talent and versatility across multiple teams and cars.