Sam Mayer will leave the Haas Factory Team after the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season and return to JR Motorsports in 2027 to drive the No. 1 Chevrolet.

Starkey signs on as primary sponsor for most of 2027, underpinning a reunion built on a proven formula between driver, team, and manufacturer.

The move restores a partnership that yields seven of Mayer’s eight Xfinity-level wins from 2021 to 2024, including a 2023 campaign with four victories and third in the championship.

JR Motorsports co-owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. welcomes Mayer back, citing his development since 2024 and the duo’s shared winning baseline as foundations for a renewed title push.

Mayer currently races the No. 41 for Haas and sits fifth in the 2026 Chase, underlining consistent form as he balances playoff commitments with a high-profile future move.

For JR Motorsports, the No. 1 program regains a known quantity whose driving style and feedback previously meshed with the team’s Chevrolet-supported toolbox and engineering group.

Starkey’s arrival strengthens commercial stability and should aid continuity across personnel, testing priorities, and simulator work as 2027 preparations ramp up.

Mayer thanks JR Motorsports for the opportunity while stressing his focus on closing out 2026 strongly with Haas. He targets the 2027 Daytona opener as an early form guide.

Across NASCAR, the move aligns with widespread winter reshuffles, including recent RFK Racing crew chief changes that reflect shifting competitive priorities.

JR Motorsports remains a fixture on weekend rosters, as seen on the upcoming Kansas entry list, and will expect Mayer to convert familiarity into immediate points and wins.

The combination’s ceiling is clear: race victories and sustained championship contention. For a cross-series snapshot of contract cycles, see the latest on F1 drivers’ 2027 contracts.

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Visual Summary

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**Creative Rationale:**
– **Hero Concept:** The “baton pass” arc shows Mayer moving from Haas to JR Motorsports—his career cycling back but with more experience.
– **Stats Focus:** Instantly grasp eight total wins, seven from JR Motorsports, 3rd in 2023—his core achievements.
– **Spotlight/Anticipation:** Subtle glow = “spotlight” effect; the call-out for Daytona signals high anticipation.
– **Team Colors:** Haas (red), JRM (navy/orange). Palette is limited, nothing busy.
– **Visual order:** Top (transfer) → Center (Mayer, stats) → Bottom (anticipation, race track hint).
– **Animation:** Only the arc and baton in motion, subtle, no overkill.
– **Background:** Always 100% white. Spacious, modern, surprising & readable.
– **Emotion:** Feels like a high-profile sports announcement—but with unique racing flavor.

**Instantly clear:** Mayer leaves Haas for JRM with big wins behind him and high expectations for Daytona 2027.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.