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Concord, NC – Hendrick Motorsports’ formidable quartet of NASCAR Cup Series drivers – Kyle Larson, William Byron, Chase Elliott, and Alex Bowman – will expand their racing activities in 2026 by sharing the No. 88 Chevrolet entry for JR Motorsports (JRM) in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. This strategic collaboration, supported by a full-season sponsorship from Hendrickcars.com, signifies a significant commitment to developing talent and maintaining a strong presence across NASCAR’s national series.
The arrangement addresses a shift in Hendrick Motorsports’ Xfinity Series strategy for 2026. With the team fielding the No. 17 car full-time with driver Corey Day, the existing platform for Cup Series drivers to make select Xfinity starts has become limited. By integrating their Cup stars into the No. 88 JRM machine, Hendrick Motorsports ensures continued valuable track time and competitive experience for its premier drivers while bolstering JR Motorsports’ pursuit of an owner’s championship.
Rajah Caruth has already been confirmed to pilot the No. 88 Chevrolet for 23 of the 33 Xfinity Series races in 2026, building upon a successful 2025 season where Connor Zilisch captured ten victories in the same car. The addition of Hendrick Motorsports’ Cup drivers will fill the remaining ten events, creating a potent driver lineup for the iconic No. 88.
JR Motorsports CEO Kelley Earnhardt Miller expressed enthusiasm for the expanded partnership. "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."
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The schedule for the Hendrick Motorsports Cup drivers in the No. 88 JRM Chevrolet has been meticulously planned to maximize their participation while minimizing conflicts with their Cup Series commitments.
William Byron, a consistent front-runner in the Cup Series, will be the first of the Hendrick quartet to take the wheel. Byron is slated for three Xfinity Series starts: March 7 at Phoenix Raceway, April 18 at Kansas Speedway, and June 13 at Pocono Raceway. Byron’s Xfinity Series career includes ten victories, with his most recent win coming in 2023 at Martinsville Speedway. His ability to adapt to different track types and his aggressive racing style are expected to be significant assets for JRM.
Reigning NASCAR Cup Series Champion Kyle Larson will also compete in three Xfinity Series events. Larson’s schedule begins with the March 14 race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, followed by April 11 at Bristol Motor Speedway, and concluding on May 2 at Texas Motor Speedway. Larson’s versatility across various forms of motorsport is well-documented, and his Xfinity Series record, which includes multiple wins and a championship in 2021, demonstrates his capability to excel in the series.
Alex Bowman and Chase Elliott will each make two starts in the No. 88 Chevrolet, rounding out the driver rotation. Bowman’s two appearances are scheduled for March 21 at Darlington Raceway and May 30 at Nashville Superspeedway. Bowman, a six-time Cup Series winner, has previously competed in the Xfinity Series, showcasing his adaptability and race-craft.
Chase Elliott, the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series Champion, will make his Xfinity Series starts later in the season. Elliott is set to compete on July 4 at Chicagoland Speedway and July 25 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Elliott’s history with JR Motorsports is particularly notable, as he drove for the team from 2013 to 2015, capturing the Xfinity Series championship in his final year with the organization. This return to JRM marks a significant homecoming for the popular driver.
The sponsorship from Hendrickcars.com, a prominent online automotive retail platform owned by Hendrick Automotive Group, underscores the deep integration between Hendrick Motorsports and its affiliated entities. The brand’s presence across all 33 races of the No. 88 car in 2026 highlights its commitment to motorsports marketing and fan engagement.
This strategic move by Hendrick Motorsports and JR Motorsports is indicative of the evolving landscape of NASCAR driver development and veteran driver engagement. The Xfinity Series continues to serve as a crucial proving ground for rising talent and a platform for established stars to hone their skills and stay race-sharp. For JRM, the opportunity to field such a distinguished group of drivers, alongside their primary driver Rajah Caruth, positions them as strong contenders for the 2026 owner’s championship.
The collaboration also reinforces the strong working relationship between Rick Hendrick’s racing empire and the Earnhardt family’s JR Motorsports. This partnership has consistently yielded success in the Xfinity Series, and the addition of Hendrick’s top Cup drivers is expected to elevate the program further.
Fans can anticipate a highly competitive season for the No. 88 Chevrolet, with a blend of established Cup Series champions and promising young talent aiming for victory lane throughout the 2026 Xfinity Series campaign. The full schedule and specific race details for the Hendrick Motorsports drivers will be closely watched as the season approaches.
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