rifan muazinMooresville, NC – In a significant alignment of resources and talent, Hendrick Motorsports’ formidable quartet of NASCAR Cup Series drivers – Kyle Larson, William Byron, Chase Elliott, and Alex Bowman – are set to share the driving duties of the No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet for a substantial portion of the 2026 season. This strategic move ensures a powerful presence for the storied Xfinity Series team while providing their premier Cup drivers with valuable seat time in a competitive environment.
The arrangement will see the four Hendrick Motorsports stalwarts fill ten of the 33 NXS races, complementing the previously announced schedule of Rajah Caruth, who will pilot the No. 88 Chevrolet for 23 events. The decision to allocate these rides to the Cup drivers stems from the expansion of Hendrick Motorsports’ own Xfinity Series presence, with the No. 17 car set to run full-time with rising star Corey Day in 2026. This expansion, while beneficial for Day’s development, effectively closes the door for regular Cup driver participation in that particular entry.
This collaborative effort is underpinned by a full-season sponsorship from HendrickCars.com, a testament to the strong partnership between Hendrick Motorsports and JR Motorsports. The synergy between the two organizations, both deeply rooted in the legacy of Rick Hendrick, allows for this unique sharing of a prominent Xfinity Series ride, with the explicit goal of contending for an Owner’s Championship.
The schedule distribution among the Hendrick Cup drivers has been meticulously planned to optimize their participation without compromising their primary Cup Series commitments.
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William Byron will be the first of the Cup stars to take the wheel, kicking off his Xfinity campaign on March 7 at Phoenix Raceway. He will then compete on April 18 at Kansas Speedway and conclude his slate on June 13 at Pocono Raceway, marking three starts for the reigning Cup Series champion. Byron’s recent performance in the Cup Series includes a dominant 2023 season where he secured 6 wins, including a historic victory at the historic oval of Darlington. His Xfinity Series career, though limited in recent years, boasts a strong record, including the 2017 Xfinity Series Rookie of the Year award and the 2017 Xfinity Series Championship.
Kyle Larson, the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Champion, is slated for three Xfinity Series starts as well. His involvement begins on March 14 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, followed by a trip to Bristol Motor Speedway on April 11, and concluding his appearances on May 2 at Texas Motor Speedway. Larson has a proven track record of success across multiple disciplines of motorsport, and his previous Xfinity Series endeavors have yielded impressive results, including multiple wins and strong performances. His 2023 Cup season was marked by a consistent performance and one win at Nashville.
Alex Bowman and Chase Elliott, both popular figures within the Hendrick Motorsports stable, will each make two starts in the No. 88 Chevrolet. Bowman’s Xfinity Series appearances are scheduled for March 21 at Darlington Raceway and May 30 at Nashville Superspeedway. Bowman, who has faced challenges with injury in recent Cup seasons, will look to leverage these Xfinity starts to maintain competitive rhythm. His Cup Series career includes 7 wins, with his most recent victory coming at Las Vegas in 2022.
Chase Elliott, the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series Champion and most popular driver for multiple consecutive years, will make his Xfinity Series debut for the season in the summer months. His two scheduled races are July 4 at Chicagoland Speedway and July 25 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Elliott, known for his road racing prowess and strong performance on intermediate tracks, will likely be a formidable competitor in these events. His Cup Series resume includes 18 wins, highlighted by his 2020 championship.
JR Motorsports CEO Kelley Earnhardt Miller expressed her enthusiasm for the expanded collaboration. "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," Earnhardt 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 sentiment underscores the deep-seated relationship between the Earnhardt family’s racing enterprise and the Hendrick Motorsports empire. JR Motorsports has consistently been a top-tier competitor in the Xfinity Series, producing numerous wins and championships since its inception. The team has a history of nurturing talent, with many drivers who have competed for JRM going on to successful Cup Series careers.
Rajah Caruth’s full-time role in the No. 88 Chevrolet represents a significant opportunity for the young driver. Caruth, who has shown considerable promise in his early Xfinity Series starts and has a strong background in grassroots racing, will benefit immensely from sharing a car with such accomplished teammates. His 2023 season in the Xfinity Series saw him secure a best finish of 12th at Phoenix Raceway, and he has been steadily improving his performance. The presence of Larson, Byron, Elliott, and Bowman will undoubtedly provide him with invaluable mentorship and insights.
The addition of the Hendrick Motorsports Cup drivers to the No. 88 program not only bolsters JR Motorsports’ championship aspirations but also generates considerable excitement for Xfinity Series fans. The prospect of seeing these established stars compete against the series’ regular contenders, alongside the development of Caruth, promises a highly competitive and engaging 2026 season. This strategic alliance is poised to elevate the profile of the Xfinity Series and further solidify the interconnectedness of NASCAR’s premier racing organizations.
The timing of this announcement, well in advance of the 2026 season, allows teams and drivers ample opportunity to prepare and strategize. For Hendrick Motorsports, it represents a calculated approach to driver development and competitive engagement. For JR Motorsports, it signifies a continued commitment to fielding championship-contending machinery, amplified by the support of their influential partners. The integration of these top-tier talents into the Xfinity Series program highlights the multifaceted nature of modern NASCAR operations, where collaboration and strategic resource allocation are key to sustained success.
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