JR Motorsports, a perennial powerhouse in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (NOAPS), has announced the highly anticipated return of Cup Series veteran Ross Chastain and international racing sensation Shane van Gisbergen for select races in 2027, a development first reported by sportsamo.com. This strategic move solidifies JRM’s formidable driver roster and underscores its commitment to maintaining a competitive edge in what is arguably NASCAR’s most thrilling feeder series. The re-signing of two of the sport’s most dynamic talents promises an electrifying season, as JRM looks to build on its already illustrious history of success.
Ross Chastain, affectionately known as the "Watermelon Man," brings a blend of raw speed, aggressive racecraft, and proven winning pedigree to the Dale Earnhardt Jr.-owned team. His journey through NASCAR has been characterized by tenacity and a relentless pursuit of victory, culminating in his breakthrough win in the Cup Series’ prestigious Coca-Cola 600. Chastain’s involvement with JR Motorsports over the past two seasons has been nothing short of impactful. Joining the team for five NOAPS races in 2025, he quickly found his rhythm, notching three top-five finishes and showcasing the potent combination of his driving skill and JRM’s meticulously prepared Chevrolet equipment. His return to the iconic No. 9 Chevrolet in 2026 further amplified his influence, where he secured a pole position at the challenging Dover Motor Speedway and delivered a commanding victory at Charlotte Motor Speedway, a track that holds immense significance in NASCAR. Beyond individual triumphs, Chastain was a pivotal participant in JR Motorsports’ historic 1-2-3-4 finish at Indianapolis in 2026, a testament to the team’s overwhelming strength and the caliber of its drivers. That dominant performance, a rare feat in any form of motorsport, cemented JRM’s status as a team capable of sweeping the competition when all elements align. Chastain’s continued presence not only adds a top-tier driver to JRM’s arsenal but also provides invaluable mentorship and a competitive benchmark for the team’s younger prospects.
Joining Chastain is the charismatic Shane van Gisbergen, a name that has rapidly become synonymous with groundbreaking success in NASCAR for international drivers. A three-time Supercars champion from New Zealand, van Gisbergen burst onto the NASCAR scene with a sensational victory in his Cup Series debut at the Chicago Street Course in 2023, instantly captivating fans and proving his adaptability to stock car racing. His subsequent limited schedule with JR Motorsports in the NOAPS further showcased his extraordinary road and street course prowess. In both 2025 and 2026, van Gisbergen competed in three races each year for JRM, exclusively on circuits that played to his strengths. These appearances yielded impressive results, including victories at the inaugural Chicago Street Course in 2025 (a testament to his early mastery of the discipline), Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in 2026, and Sonoma Raceway in 2026. These triumphs not only added to JRM’s win tally but also solidified van Gisbergen’s remarkable distinction as the winningest foreign-born driver in NASCAR history. His success has ignited a global interest in NASCAR, demonstrating the series’ growing international appeal and the seamless integration of world-class talent from diverse racing backgrounds. Van Gisbergen’s continued involvement with JRM allows him to further hone his stock car skills, particularly on road courses, while also serving as a compelling draw for fans and sponsors eager to witness his unique talent. While the specific races for Chastain and van Gisbergen in 2027 have yet to be announced, anticipation is already building for their appearances.
JR Motorsports operates a unique and highly effective strategy with its No. 9 Chevrolet, utilizing a rotation of talented drivers alongside its four full-time entries. This approach allows the team to develop promising prospects, provide crucial seat time for Cup Series drivers looking for extra track time, and fulfill sponsor obligations with a diverse roster of personalities. The full-time JRM lineup is a blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars. Justin Allgaier, a cornerstone of the team, consistently contends for championships and provides a steady hand. Sam Mayer, a fiercely competitive young driver, is set to replace Sammy Smith in 2027, marking an important step in his career trajectory after Smith’s contributions to the team. Carson Kvapil, a promising talent, and Rajah Caruth, an exciting prospect breaking barriers in the sport, round out the roster of full-time drivers, each bringing their own aspirations and skill sets to the formidable organization. This dynamic blend of experience and youth is a hallmark of JRM’s success and its role as a vital stepping stone in NASCAR’s development ladder.
JR Motorsports’ commitment to excellence extends beyond the NOAPS, as evidenced by their participation in the Cup Series’ crown jewel event, the Daytona 500, with Justin Allgaier in both 2025 and 2026. These ventures, while not their primary focus, underscore the team’s ambition and capability to compete at the sport’s highest level. However, it is in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series where JR Motorsports truly shines as a dominant force. The team has consistently demonstrated an unparalleled level of performance, culminating in an impressive four driver’s championships in 2014, 2017, 2018, and most recently, 2024. These titles are a testament to the meticulous preparation of their cars, the strategic acumen of their crew chiefs, and the exceptional talent of their drivers. Over its decorated history, JR Motorsports has accumulated a staggering 120 NOAPS victories, a monumental achievement that places them among the most successful teams in series history. The 2026 season was particularly stellar, with the team securing 15 wins, showcasing a level of dominance that few teams ever achieve. This consistent performance year after year is a reflection of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s vision and the dedicated efforts of every member of the JRM organization.
The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series itself plays a crucial role in the broader NASCAR ecosystem. Often referred to as the Xfinity Series, it serves as a critical proving ground for future Cup Series stars and a battleground where seasoned veterans fight for glory. The blend of Cup-affiliated drivers like Chastain and van Gisbergen, alongside dedicated NOAPS contenders and emerging talents, creates a highly competitive and unpredictable racing environment. The return of Chastain and van Gisbergen to JR Motorsports for 2027 signals a continued commitment to this blend, ensuring that the NOAPS remains a compelling spectacle for fans and a vital part of the stock car racing landscape. Their presence elevates the series’ profile, drawing more eyes to the intense competition and the next generation of racing heroes.
In conclusion, the announcement of Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen’s return to JR Motorsports for select 2027 NOAPS races is more than just a driver signing; it’s a powerful statement of intent from a team already synonymous with success. With Chastain’s proven ability to win and his deep understanding of stock car racing, combined with van Gisbergen’s unique international flair and road course mastery, JR Motorsports is poised for another banner year. Their integration into an already potent lineup, alongside stalwarts like Justin Allgaier and exciting young talents, ensures that the No. 9 Chevrolet will remain a formidable contender at every track it visits. As the 2027 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season approaches, all eyes will be on JR Motorsports, anticipating the next chapter in their remarkable story of dominance and driver development.
