JR Motorsports Reunion
Sam Mayer Will Return to JR Motorsports for the 2027 NASCAR Season
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Key Points
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Mayer currently drives the No. 41 Chevrolet for Haas Factory Team and sits fifth in the 2026 Chase standings after the race at Bristol Motor Speedway.
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Mayer’s seven victories with JR Motorsports included four wins in 2023 and three in 2024; he also competed in JRM’s Late Model program in 2018 and 2019 before reaching the national series.
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JR Motorsports has won 15 of the first 27 races of the 2026 season, with four of its drivers qualifying for the 12-driver Chase field.
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Starkey President and CEO Brandon Sawalich said the sponsorship will promote hearing health in racing, noting that drivers and fans face extreme noise exposure and that hearing protection should be treated as important as other forms of safety protection.
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Starkey, headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, is described as a global hearing-technology company focused on AI-powered solutions and human-centered design.
Sam Mayer is returning to JR Motorsports for the 2027 NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series season, driving the No. 1 Chevrolet after two years with Haas Factory Team. Motorsport.com reports that Starkey, a hearing-technology company, will serve as his primary sponsor for the full season. Mayer previously spent more than three seasons with JRM, winning seven of his eight career series races with the organization.
The 23-year-old driver finished third in the 2023 championship standings with JRM and earned four victories that year. Daily Downforce notes that Mayer replaces Sammy Smith, who departed the team last month. Co-owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. said he believes Mayer has developed as a driver and that the organization knows how to win with him.
Mayer's Seven Wins Built a Strong Foundation
Mayer competed with JR Motorsports from 2021 to 2024, establishing himself as one of the team's most successful drivers. Speedway Digest confirms he won seven races during his first stint, including four victories in 2023 and three in 2024. He also competed in JRM's Late Model program in 2018 and 2019 before moving to the national series.
His 2023 season was particularly strong. Mayer finished third in the championship standings, showcasing consistency and speed throughout the year. That performance and his seven total wins made him a valuable asset that JRM wanted to bring back.
Starkey Brings Hearing Health Focus to Racing
Starkey, headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, is a global hearing-technology company focused on AI-powered solutions. Roundtable.io reports that the company's CEO Brandon Sawalich emphasized the importance of hearing health in racing. Drivers and fans face extreme noise exposure at speedways, which can damage hearing permanently.
Sawalich said hearing protection should be treated as important as other safety equipment in racing. The sponsorship agreement allows Starkey to promote hearing health awareness while supporting Mayer's return to JRM. This partnership connects a major safety issue with one of NASCAR's top rising talents.
JR Motorsports Dominates the 2026 Season
JR Motorsports is having an exceptional 2026 campaign. The organization has won 15 of the first 27 races and has four of its drivers already qualified for the 12-driver Chase field. This winning culture is exactly what Mayer will return to in 2027.
Racing News confirms that Mayer joins a 2027 lineup expected to include Justin Allgaier and Carson Kvapil. The team's recent success and stable driver roster suggest JRM will remain competitive next season. Mayer currently sits fifth in the 2026 Chase standings after the Bristol Motor Speedway race while driving for Haas Factory Team.
Why Mayer Left and Why He's Coming Back
Mayer departed JR Motorsports after the 2024 season and spent two years with Haas Factory Team. The move gave him a chance to develop his skills with a different organization. However, both Mayer and JRM recognized they worked well together and had unfinished business.
Mayer's gratitude for returning to the team that gave him his start reflects the strong relationship between driver and organization. JRM's track record of success and Mayer's proven performance there made this reunion a natural fit. The 2027 season will mark his return to a place where he thrived.
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