Sam Mayer is returning to JR Motorsports in 2027 after racing two NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series seasons for Haas Factory Team.
MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Sam Mayer is returning to JR Motorsports in 2027 after racing two NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series seasons for Haas Factory Team.
Mayer will return to the organization he raced for from 2021 to 2024. He will have sponsorship from Starkey Hearing for the 2027 season. Starkey's CEO is Brandon Sawalich, who is the father of Joe Gibbs Racing NOAPS driver William Sawalich.
Mayer will drive the number he sported from 2022 to 2024 after a part-time tenure in 2021. That tenure saw him bring home seven wins, 33 top-five finishes and 57 top-10 finishes in 150 NOAPS races before the tenure reportedly grew contentious.
With Mayer coming back, that water now appears to be under the bridge. Team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. said in a press release he believed Mayer has improved.
“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.”
Mayer is coming to JRM after two seasons with Haas. The 2025 season was pivotal for Mayer, especially for what happened at Martinsville Speedway.
Although he had success with Haas, ending the 26-race regular season third in the points standings with 12 top-five finishes and 16 top-10 finishes, including a win at Iowa Speedway, his aggressive driving in the races at Martinsville defined his season. In the spring, he was one of the drivers at the center of controversy over the style of racing in a widely-panned race at the track. Then, in the fall, he wrecked Jeb Burton after finishing the race – leading NASCAR to sit him out for the season finale at Phoenix Raceway.
This season has been far quieter for Mayer. Haas switched to Chevrolet, causing some growing pains for the team. However, in the Chase, teammate Sheldon Creed has started to take control of the championship and Mayer has opened the postseason with three finishes of eighth or better – all with at least 39 points earned.
Mayer told Roundtable in July, "Haas Factory Team was like a reset."
Now returning to JRM, a team that has won 15 of the 27 races so far, compared to Haas's three wins this season, Mayer has an opportunity to level up his career – now a little older and a little wiser.
“I am really happy to be back with JR Motorsports and back behind the wheel of the No. 1 Chevrolet,” the 23-year-old Mayer said. “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."
Additional details about the No. 1 Starkey team will be announced at a later date, according to JRM.
Mayer sits fifth in the points standings after three Chase races. He has six top-five finishes, 13 top-10 finishes and three poles with an average finish of 16.2 and 171 laps led through 27 races this season.
