MOORESVILLE, N.C. (CBS 58) — Franklin native Sam Mayer is returning to JR Motorsports for the 2027 NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series season, where he will drive the No. 1 Chevrolet.

Mayer will enter his fifth season driving for JRM and his seventh overall in the series. Starkey will serve as a partner for the entirety of the 2027 season.

"I'm looking forward to working with Sam again," JR Motorsports co-owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. said. "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."

Earnhardt also welcomed Starkey to the organization, saying the team looks forward to building its relationship with the company.

Mayer began his O'Reilly Auto Parts Series career with JR Motorsports in 2021 and remained with the organization through the 2024 season.

During that stretch, Mayer collected seven victories, 33 top-five finishes and 57 top-10 finishes. He also advanced to the Championship 4 in 2023.

His history with JR Motorsports dates back even further. Mayer competed in the organization's Late Model program in 2018 and 2019, including a victory in the Bobby Isaac Memorial.

"I am really happy to be back with JR Motorsports and back behind the wheel of the No. 1 Chevrolet," 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."

Mayer said his focus remains on finishing the current season before turning his attention to his JRM return.

"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," Mayer said.

Mayer currently drives the No. 41 Chevrolet for Haas Factory Team. His most recent victory came at Iowa Speedway in 2025, marking the first win in Haas Factory Team history.

Mayer earned his first O'Reilly Auto Parts Series victory at Road America in July 2023 while driving for JR Motorsports.

One of his most memorable victories came in 2024 at Texas Motor Speedway, where he beat Ryan Sieg by just 0.002 seconds in what was the second-closest finish in series history.

Mayer's first career NASCAR national series victory came in 2020, when he won the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway at just 17 years old.

Earlier that same evening, Mayer had also won the ARCA Menards Series race at Bristol.

Now, after two seasons away from JR Motorsports, Mayer will return to the organization in 2027 with another opportunity to contend for wins and a championship.