Sam Mayer is returning to JR Motorsports in 2027.
The Franklin, Wisconsin-native will return to the championship-winning organization for the 2027 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series campaign, piloting the No. 1 Chevrolet Camaro – the same vehicle he piloted during his first stint with JRM from 2022 to 2024.
“I’m looking forward to working with Sam again,” said Dale Earnhardt Jr. “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. We’re also excited to welcome Starkey to the team and look forward to building a strong relationship and accomplishing great things together.”
Starkey will serve as a primary sponsor for Mayer and JR Motorsports in 2027. The company is a global leader in hearing technology and innovation known for advancing AI-powered hearing solutions helping people hear more naturally and stay connected to the world around them.
The brand, and its sister company Audible, have been supporting Mayer in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series since the beginning of last season.
“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. 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.”
Mayer is an eight-time winner in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and seven of those victories came while the 23-year-old driver was behind the wheel of an entry for JR Motorsports, with four victories in 2023 and three wins in 2024.
“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.”
With six races remaining in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series campaign, Mayer currently sits fifth in point standings, 78 markers behind championship leader Sheldon Creed.
