In a move that has shocked the NASCAR community, JR Motorsports (JRM) has officially confirmed that Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen will return to the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series for select races in 2026.
The arrangement ensures two of the sport’s most aggressive and entertaining talents remain active across NASCAR’s second-tier series, but not everyone in the industry is thrilled about the decision. But why?
What is so Shocking About Ross Chastain and Shane Van Gisbergen Taking JR Motorsports Xfinity Seats?
The announcement on social media read, “Another round with the boys from the (Track)house. @RossChastain and @shanevg97 return to the No. 9 Chevrolet for select races in 2026”, signaling a continuation of the JRM and Trackhouse Racing partnership, extending the collaboration that began in 2025.
Both Chastain and van Gisbergen, full-time NASCAR Cup Series drivers under the Trackhouse banner, will take turns behind the wheel of JRM’s No. 9 Chevrolet in a part-time capacity.
The shock stems from the fact that both Chastain and van Gisbergen are established NASCAR Cup Series stars. Yet, they will be taking part-time roles in the Xfinity Series, which is traditionally seen as a proving ground for emerging talent.
JR Motorsports, long celebrated for having nurtured young drivers like William Byron, Noah Gragson, and Justin Allgaier, is now being questioned for fielding what some call an “all-star lineup.”
The contrast has not gone unnoticed by fans. Many expected these seats to provide opportunities for up-and-coming drivers like Rajah Caruth, who recently signed with JRM for a part-time schedule in 2026.
Instead, JRM’s choice to place two high-profile veterans in the No. 9 Chevrolet highlights a growing trend in NASCAR. Cup drivers are being brought down to Xfinity to target specific wins, such as van Gisbergen’s expertise on road courses.
While this approach can deliver immediate results and boost marketing appeal, it has sparked debate over whether it comes at the expense of developing young talent and maintaining a level playing field in the series.
A well-known NASCAR insider wrote on X, “Seeing all these dudes that deserve full-time rides having to settle for part-time ones is disturbing.” The comment echoed the sentiments of several fans and analysts who have questioned the influx of Cup drivers in Xfinity rides over emerging talent.
Despite the shockwaves it sent, adding Chastain and van Gisbergen makes JRM’s 2026 lineup one of the most high-profile in recent Xfinity history. Alongside Caruth and other drivers like Carson Kvapil and Connor Zilisch, Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s team now boasts a roster that blends Cup experience, international success, and rookie ambition.