Sam Mayer will depart Haas Factory Team after the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season, with plans to rejoin JR Motorsports (JRM).
He will drive the No. 1 JRM Chevrolet, having previously competed for the Earnhardt‑owned team from 2021 through 2024. Starkey will serve as his primary sponsor for most of the 2027 campaign.
“I’m looking forward to working with Sam again,” said team co‑owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. “JRM and Sam have a proven winning partnership, and I believe Sam has continued to develop as a driver since our last stint together. I value his determination to win, and I know he’s eager to get back in the shop and start working. We’re also excited to welcome Starkey to the organization and anticipate building a strong relationship that delivers great results.”
Mayer currently pilots the No. 41 for Haas Factory Team and sits fifth in the 2026 Chase standings. He has eight career victories in NASCAR’s second‑tier series, seven of which came while driving for JRM. In 2023 he finished third in the championship with JR Motorsports, recording four wins that season—the best performance of his career to date.
“I’m thrilled to be back with JR Motorsports and behind the wheel of the No. 1 Chevrolet,” said Sam Mayer. “I’m grateful to continue my career with the organization that gave me my start, and I thank Starkey for being an outstanding partner and for their ongoing support of my racing journey. There’s still racing left to do this year, and I remain focused on that, but I can’t wait to kick off the 2027 season at Daytona with JRM.”