NASCAR O’Reilly Series: Big Silly Season Moves

Major NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series teams have been making moves this past week for their 2027 driver lineups. Here’s what has transpired over the past few days.

Richard Childress Racing Solidifies 2027

Richard Childress Racing announced impending rookie Carson Brown and current NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Chandler Smith for their 2027 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series lineup.

Brown will pilot the No. 2 entry with Whelen returning as the anchor sponsor. Then, Smith will take over the No. 21 with expanded sponsorship from 1-800-PACK-RAT.

RCR also confirmed in their separate statements that the duo signed a multi-season contract and will stay with the organization past 2027.

“I’m incredibly grateful to everyone at Richard Childress Racing and Whelen for believing in me,” said Brown.

“This is something I’ve dreamed about for as long as I can remember, and I know how rare and special it is to be in this position. What an absolute honor to drive for Richard Childress, and to be able to represent Whelen, an American-made brand that has invested so much into motorsports over the years. I don’t take a single part of it for granted. I’m going to give everything I have and do whatever it takes to outwork, outlearn, and prepare myself every week.”

“My goal is to work as hard as I can, continue to improve and give RCR and Whelen everything I have every time we go to the racetrack. I’m really proud to be part of this program.” he concluded.

Chandler Smith’s Words

Then Smith, 24, commented on his newfound relationship with the organization for 2027 and beyond.

“I’m really thankful for this opportunity and for the people who have believed in me and helped me get to this point,” said Smith.

“First and foremost, I want to give all the glory to God. He’s opened a lot of doors for me throughout my career, and I know none of this happens without Him. I’m also thankful for my family and everybody who has stood behind me through the ups and downs,” he continued.

“To get this opportunity with Richard Childress Racing means a lot to me. RCR has such a great history of taking young drivers and giving them the tools to go out there and be successful, and I’m excited to be part of that. I’m really thankful to Richard and everyone at RCR for believing in me, and having 1-800-PACK-RAT come along with us for this next chapter makes it even more special. They’ve already been a great partner at RCR, and I think we can do some impactful things with this program, both on and off the racetrack. I’m looking forward to getting to work.”

Both he and Carson Brown will replace the outgoing Jesse Love and Austin Hill.

With RCR’s developmental system, the two should look ready to replace and replicate the veteran-rookie dynamic the current RCR duo has into 2027 and beyond.

JR Motorsports has Smith Out and Kvapil Retained

JR Motorsports also made two key moves for 2027. After three seasons together, Sammy Smith will depart from the JR Motorsports No. 8 team.

Currently, Smith’s landing spot has not yet been announced. However, the Iowan is rumored to continue in the O’Reilly Series in 2027.

In his place is a familiar name to the team. Current back-to-back series winner Carson Kvapil will slide over to the No. 8 full-time in 2027.

JR Motorsports has had their doubts with Kvapil’s development and sponsorship interest earlier in the season.

But winning heals everything. Those worries have faded and he has been extended a lifeline by JR Motorsports to continue with the organization next season.

Current details of his contract length, sponsorships, team personnel, and more will be announced at a later date for Kvapil.

Brandon Jones completes Joe Gibbs Racing’s Lineup

Joe Gibbs Racing announced veteran O’Reilly Series driver Brandon Jones to return to the team’s No. 20 entry in 2027.

Jones and long-term sponsor Menards returns to for the third consecutive season in the entry. In fact, the O’Reilly Series veteran will be back for his 12th season overall and his eighth with the team next season.

 Jones has found success specifically at JGR. All eight of his NOAPS victories have come in JGR equipment. Then 48 of his 53 career top-fives and 110 of his 145 career top-10s came in with JGR as well.

“(Joe Gibbs Racing) is home to me. We’ve built a great relationship over the years and it’s exactly where I want to be at this point in my career,” said Jones.

“Not only has this been the place where I’ve found most of my success in my career, but I also value the chemistry and relationships we’ve built as a team on the No. 20. I think we’re just scratching the surface of what we’re capable of as a group and I’m excited to keep building with this team in 2027.”

The organization is more than pleased to continue their winning relationship with the pair.

“Brandon really provides a veteran presence to our O’Reilly Series program, and we’re excited to have him return next season,” said Heather Gibbs, co-owner of Joe Gibbs Racing. “He has always done such a great job representing Menards, and we look forward to continuing that partnership,” she concluded.

August has been a massive month for the series. While the month is just about over, the NASCAR O’Reilly Series silly season is still in full bloom. September will continue to lay the foundation of what the series will look like in 2027.