Hendrick Motorsports Stars to Pilot JR Motorsports' No. 88 Chevrolet in a Unique 2026 Xfinity Series Campaign

CHARLOTTE, NC – In a strategic move designed to leverage top-tier talent and foster strong organizational synergy, Hendrick Motorsports announced today that all four of its NASCAR Cup Series drivers – Kyle Larson, William Byron, Chase Elliott, and Alex Bowman – will share the driving duties of the No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet in the 2026 NASCAR Xfinity Series season. This collaborative effort, fully sponsored by Hendrickcars.com, will see these established Cup Series stars make select starts in the series as part of a comprehensive driver lineup alongside the previously announced Rajah Caruth.

The arrangement addresses a shift in Hendrick Motorsports’ Xfinity Series presence for 2026. With the organization committing its No. 17 entry full-time to rising star Corey Day, the opportunity for Cup Series drivers to make guest appearances in that particular car is eliminated. Consequently, the partnership with JR Motorsports provides a valuable platform for Hendrick’s premier talent to gain additional track time and competition in a different series, while also contributing to JR Motorsports’ pursuit of an Owner’s Championship.

Rajah Caruth, who impressed in 2025 with a dominant ten-win season in the No. 88 machine, has already been confirmed to pilot the car for 23 of the 33 Xfinity Series races in 2026. The remaining ten races will be divided among the four Hendrick Motorsports Cup Series regulars.

William Byron will be the first of the Cup Series contingent to take the wheel, scheduled for three starts. His Xfinity Series debut in the No. 88 will be at Phoenix Raceway on March 7th. He will then compete at Kansas Speedway on April 18th, followed by a third outing at Pocono Raceway on June 13th. Byron, a seasoned competitor in both top series, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to the JRM program. His Cup Series career includes numerous wins and a championship title, underscoring his versatility.

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Kyle Larson, the reigning Cup Series champion, is also slated for three Xfinity Series starts in the No. 88 Chevrolet. Larson’s campaign will commence at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 14th. His subsequent appearances will be at Bristol Motor Speedway on April 11th and Texas Motor Speedway on May 2nd. Larson is renowned for his adaptability across various forms of motorsport and his ability to perform at an elite level regardless of the discipline. His presence in the Xfinity Series is expected to draw significant attention and provide a stern test for the competition.

Alex Bowman and Chase Elliott will each make two starts in the No. 88 machine, rounding out the full schedule. Bowman’s Xfinity Series appearances are scheduled for Darlington Raceway on March 21st and Nashville Superspeedway on May 30th. Bowman, a consistent performer in the Cup Series, will look to translate his experience to the Xfinity Series, aiming for strong results.

Chase Elliott, the 2020 Cup Series champion, will join the JRM effort in the summer months. His two starts are confirmed for Chicagoland Speedway on July 4th and Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 25th. Elliott, a fan favorite, has a history of success in various series and his participation in the Xfinity Series is anticipated to be a significant draw.

JR Motorsports CEO Kelley Earnhardt Miller expressed enthusiasm for the expanded partnership and the opportunity to integrate Hendrick Motorsports’ top drivers into their program. "We couldn’t be happier to welcome back all four of Hendrick Motorsports’ drivers into the JRM family to join Rajah (Caruth) behind the wheel of our No. 88 Chevrolet," Miller stated. "Chase, William, Alex, and Kyle all have such a unique history with us, and it’s just a testament to the relationship that we have built with Mr. Hendrick, Hendrick Motorsports, and HendrickCars.com that we can bring them all together with Rajah to race for an owner’s championship in 2026."

This unique driver-sharing arrangement highlights the deep-rooted collaborative relationship between Hendrick Motorsports and JR Motorsports, a relationship that has consistently produced competitive machinery and championship-contending teams. The inclusion of the Cup Series stars in the Xfinity Series program is not without precedent for both organizations. JR Motorsports has a history of fielding successful entries with a variety of drivers, including Cup Series regulars making starts. Similarly, Hendrick Motorsports has utilized the Xfinity Series as a developmental and testing ground for its talent.

The 2025 season saw Connor Zilisch achieve significant success in the No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet, capturing ten wins and demonstrating the car’s potential. This strong performance by Zilisch in 2025 set a high bar and provided a solid foundation for the 2026 season. Caruth’s extensive schedule in 2026 indicates a clear focus on building continuity and championship contention for the majority of the season.

The decision to utilize the Cup Series stars in the No. 88, rather than their own potential entries, underscores the strategic value placed on the JRM partnership and the desire to compete for an owner’s championship, a significant accolade within the NASCAR structure. An owner’s championship is awarded based on the cumulative performance of a specific car number throughout the season, regardless of the driver. This means that strong finishes from Caruth, and the contributions of Larson, Byron, Elliott, and Bowman, will all directly impact the No. 88 team’s standing in this championship battle.

The involvement of Hendrickcars.com as the full-season sponsor for the No. 88 entry further solidifies the commitment from the broader Hendrick Automotive Group to this Xfinity Series endeavor. This sponsorship provides the necessary financial backing to support a competitive program with a diverse and talented driver roster.

For William Byron, the opportunity to return to the Xfinity Series offers a chance to revisit a series where he achieved considerable success early in his career, including a championship in 2017. His Cup Series statistics speak for themselves, with multiple wins and a championship contending season in 2023. His experience at tracks like Phoenix, Kansas, and Pocono will be invaluable.

Kyle Larson’s participation is particularly noteworthy given his current status as a reigning champion in the Cup Series. His aggressive driving style and ability to adapt quickly to different tracks and conditions make him a formidable competitor in any series. His previous Xfinity Series starts have showcased his raw talent, and his appearances in 2026 are likely to be highly anticipated by fans and rivals alike.

Alex Bowman, who has established himself as a consistent performer in the Cup Series, will look to bring his race-winning experience to the Xfinity Series. His starts at Darlington and Nashville, two tracks that demand respect and precision, will provide a good test of his adaptability.

Chase Elliott, a former Xfinity Series champion himself in 2014, brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven ability to win. His return to the series, even for select races, is a significant event. His planned starts at Chicagoland and Indianapolis will test his mettle on tracks with different characteristics.

The scheduling of these starts also reflects a strategic approach. By spacing out the Cup Series drivers’ appearances, JR Motorsports can ensure that Caruth has a consistent presence while also allowing for the Cup stars to participate in races that might offer specific strategic advantages or be particularly suited to their driving styles. The allocation of three races to Byron and Larson, and two each to Bowman and Elliott, suggests a balanced approach to maximizing the team’s potential across the season.

This multifaceted driver lineup for the No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet in 2026 represents a significant investment in talent and a clear objective to contend for an Owner’s Championship. The collaboration between Hendrick Motorsports and JR Motorsports, bolstered by the support of Hendrickcars.com, is poised to deliver exciting racing and a compelling narrative throughout the upcoming Xfinity Series season.

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