The JR Motorsports No. 1 will be piloted by Sam Mayer in 2027
Back in 2018, JR Motorsports signed then late model star Sam Mayer to a contract. He climbed the racer ladder from there, reaching the NASCAR O’Reilly Series on part-time basis in 2021 before his first full-time season in 2022.
Following the 2024 season, Mayer departed Jr Motorsports and signed a new deal with the Haas Factory Team. He went on to grab the teams first win at Iowa Speedway in 2025 in the No. 41 car.
Things are now coming full circle. Sam Mayer will return to Jr Motorsports in 2027. He’ll drive the No. 1 car with sponsorship from Starkey.
Mayer has run 175 NASCAR O’Reilly Series races. He has picked up 8 race wins along the way.
Hear from Mayer on his return below…
Dale Earnhardt Jr comments
“I’m looking forward to working with Sam again,” Dale Earnhardt Jr stated via the team release.
“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.
Dale Jr concluded, We’re also excited to welcome Starkey to the team and look forward to building a strong relationship and accomplishing great things together.”
Sam Mayer comments
“I am really happy to be back with JR Motorsports and back behind the wheel of the No. 1 Chevrolet,” said Sam 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.”
Starkey comments
“Great partnerships have the power to change conversations, and this one gives us a platform to do exactly that,” said Brandon Sawalich, President and CEO of Starkey.
“Hearing health belongs in every conversation about performance, protection and quality of life. In a sport where sound is a vital part of the experience for both drivers and fans, and hearing is exposed to extreme environments, protecting it should be just as important as protecting any other part of the body.”
Sawalich concluded, “Starkey is proud to bring our leadership in hearing technology and innovation to the racing community and inspire a new generation to think differently about hearing health and conservation.”
