Champion Irrigation Products, an industry pioneer in irrigation solutions, is partnering with JR Motorsports during the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series campaign, the team announced on Friday.
The company, which was founded in 1937 based on the Pejsa brothers’ breakthrough invention of the irrigation anti-siphon value, will serve as a three-race primary sponsor of Carson Kvapil and the No. 1 Chevrolet in 2026, starting with Darlington Raceway on March 21.
Ready to grow us a Champion.
Champion Irrigation Products joins @Carson_Kvapil for three races in 2026 – Darlington in March, Talladega in April and Phoenix in October. pic.twitter.com/ic6hGgsTRw
— JR Motorsports (@JRMotorsports) December 5, 2025
“We are thrilled to bring Champion Irrigation to the JR Motorsports family in 2026,” said Kelley Earnhardt Miller, CEO of JR Motorsports. “As an existing fixture in motorsports, we are excited for the opportunity to help them make a leap into the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and are looking forward to a successful season for Champion Irrigation with Carson and the No. 1 team.”
Following the brand’s debut race at Darlington in March, Champion will return as a primary sponsor twice more throughout the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series campaign at Talladega Superspeedway (April 25) and Phoenix Raceway (October 17).
With this new partnership with JR Motorsports, Champion Irrigation is entering an exciting new chapter as it expands beyond residential irrigation and moves into commercial, agricultural, and drip irrigation offerings. Together, the two brands will set the stage for broader reach, stronger visibility, and continued innovation.
“JRM was an easy choice as a partner to help Champion Irrigation reach its future goals,” said Jim Kapparos, Chief Marketing Officer at Champion Irrigation. “JRM’s practice of honoring legacy and innovating for the future is a natural fit with Champion Irrigation’s business and cultural philosophy. JRM’s focus on the fan and Champion Irrigation’s focus on the customer align perfectly, and we are excited to reach new heights together.”
In 2025, while piloting the No. 1 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports, Kvapil found enough success to advance to the ‘Championship 4’ with a shot at bringing home the title, before coming home fourth in points.
This coming season, though, Kvapil is not in the same boat as he was last season, being full-time in the No. 1 Chevrolet. The Mooresville, North Carolina-native will share the entry with Connor Zilisch, with Rodney Childers on top of the pit box. Kvapil, however, will split time between multiple JR Motorsports entries.
Kvapil will debut the Champion Irrigation paint scheme at Darlington Raceway on Saturday, March 21, with coverage on The CW, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.
