As Connor Zilisch prepares to move up to Trackhouse Racing’s Cup Series seat in 2026, JR Motorsports faces a critical decision to fill the No. 88 Xfinity ride. This vacancy demands a driver capable of maintaining the team’s championship-caliber momentum and meeting high expectations.
Unconventional Candidates Poised to Take Over JR Motorsports’ No. 88 Seat
With Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s team at a crossroads, five surprising drivers emerge as possible successors to Connor Zilisch. Each brings a unique skill set and potential to the renowned No. 88 Chevrolet starting next season.
Kaden Honeycutt: The Consistent Threat from Niece Motorsports
Kaden Honeycutt stands out as a dark-horse contender. Currently fifth in the Truck Series standings with Niece Motorsports, he has shown remarkable consistency and resilience. At Charlotte, Honeycutt raced fiercely alongside veterans like Kyle Busch and Ross Chastain, earning a career-best third-place finish.
I’ve seen first to trust Al Niece’s [Niece Motorsports’ owner] gut when he says ‘this is the guy.’ Once I knew he was gonna be in one [Truck] and I watched him in the other vehicles he was in, I’m like ‘OK yeah, he can drive.’ He’s with Phil Gould, so they’re coaching him.
—Ross Chastain
Despite not yet securing a win, Honeycutt’s position near the top of the points reflects sizable untapped potential that JR Motorsports might capitalize on.
Chandler Smith: Versatile Winner with Proven Xfinity Experience
Chandler Smith brings impressive credentials, highlighted by two Truck Series victories in 2025 for Front Row Motorsports. His 2024 season with Joe Gibbs Racing in Xfinity featured two wins and 15 top-five finishes, underscoring his ability to compete at a high level across different series.
Smith’s adaptability—racing effectively on everything from short tracks to superspeedways—makes him a logical candidate to replace Zilisch. His proven speed and quick learning curve position him as a strong contender to pursue the Xfinity title with JR Motorsports.
Rajah Caruth: A Marketable Talent with High Upside
Rajah Caruth brings historical significance and hunger to the table. Securing a Truck Series win in Nashville during 2025 earned him a playoff berth, signaling capability despite some inconsistency. His Xfinity races with Jordan Anderson Racing, especially at Dover, highlighted his growing versatility.
Racing at his home track for EventsDC was “a full-circle moment” for Caruth, as he continues to catch the attention of Chevrolet and fans alike. Although a gamble due to uneven results, JR Motorsports has a track record of developing emerging drivers with raw potential.
Nick Sanchez: Fearless Competitor Riding Strong Momentum
Nick Sanchez thrives in chaotic, high-pressure situations. His 2025 Xfinity win at EchoPark Speedway came amid intense racing, surviving multiple collisions resulting from aggressive moves in front of him. His calm mindset under pressure was evident after Atlanta’s wreck-filled race, showing mental toughness.
Once we got control of the race, we never looked back,
—Nick Sanchez
Bringing Sanchez from Big Machine Racing could provide JR Motorsports with a driver already acclimated to Xfinity competition and carrying positive momentum into the 2026 season.
Daniel Suárez: Experienced Veteran Offering Steady Leadership
Daniel Suárez combines extensive Cup Series experience with proven Xfinity success, including a victory in Mexico City for JR Motorsports in 2025. His seasoned skill set contrasts with the younger candidates and offers reliable performance in a championship run.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. acknowledged ongoing discussions around Suárez’s role, saying,
JR Motorsports usually has one to two cars in limbo.
—Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Earnhardt Jr. also emphasized the importance of evaluating Suárez’s behavior on track:
We’re going to watch to see what he does. Does he drive harder? Does he make mistakes? Does he push people around? Does he fade under the rug and disappear? What happens?
—Dale Earnhardt Jr.
While Suárez has expressed interest in a Cup ride, a competitive Xfinity position with JR Motorsports may present a better opportunity than contending with lower-tier Cup teams.
As the off-season approaches, the uncertainty around Connor Zilisch’s official Cup contract heightens the urgency for JR Motorsports to identify a successor capable of steering the No. 88 car toward another championship. Their choice will undoubtedly influence the balance of power in the 2026 Xfinity Series.