Sam Mayer, an eight-time race winner in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, is heading back to JR Motorsports in 2027 after a two-year stint with the Haas Factory Team. On Tuesday, JR Motorsports revealed that Mayer, who drove for the team between 2021 and 2024, will return to the organization next season to pilot the No. 1 Chevrolet.
We’re all ears for this one.
Sam Mayer, Starkey join JR Motorsports starting in 2027. pic.twitter.com/KSBSBLBpkv
— JR Motorsports (@JRMotorsports) September 22, 2026
Starkey, a current partner of Mayer’s, will serve as the full-season primary sponsor for Mayer beginning with the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway.
Considering Mayer scored seven of his eight career victories with JR Motorsports, the team is excited to rekindle the potent pairing with the driver.
“I’m looking forward to working with Sam again,” said Dale Earnhardt Jr., co-owner of JR Motorsports. “JRM and Sam know how to win races together, and it’s my belief that Sam has improved as a driver since our past relationship. I appreciate Sam’s eagerness to win, and I know he’s excited to get back in the building and get to work. We’re also excited to welcome Starkey to the team and look forward to building a strong relationship and accomplishing great things together.”
For Mayer, it’s a full-circle moment, which allows him to chase a championship next season with the team that gave him his original big break in the NASCAR National Series ranks.
“I am really happy to be back with JR Motorsports and back behind the wheel of the No. 1 Chevrolet,” said Mayer. “I’m really grateful to continue my career with the organization that gave me my start and thankful to Starkey for being an incredible partner and for their continued support in my racing career. There is still some racing left to do this year, and I am focused on that, but I can’t wait to get the 2027 season underway at Daytona with JRM.”
With six races remaining in the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season, Mayer ranks fifth in the Chase Grid. If he can find a little bit of luck down the stretch, there’s a chance he could join JR Motorsports next season with a championship in hand.
After the announcement of his departure, Haas Factory Team issued a statement:
“Sam Mayer and HFT will part ways at the end of the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts season. We would like to thank him for two impressive seasons, including our first win as an organization. We wish Sam the best going forward.
“The No. 41 team will continue to strive for wins and the 2026 championship. Announcements regarding the 2027 HFT driver lineup are TBD at this time.”
Through 176 career starts in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, Mayer has amassed eight victories, 52 top-five finishes, and 88 top-10s. The driver has accumulated six pole positions and has a career average finish of 15.1.
Mayer’s best finish in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series championship standings was a third-place effort in the 2023 season, a year in which he won four races.
