Starkey to be Primary Partner for the Full NOAPS Season Beginning in Daytona
MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Sept. 22, 2026) – JR Motorsports today announced that Sam Mayer will be making his return to the organization for the 2027 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season behind the wheel of the No. 1 Chevrolet. Mayer, who will be entering his fifth year behind the wheel of a JRM Chevrolet and seventh year in the NOAPS will be accompanied by partner Starkey for the duration of the 2027 season.
“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.”
Headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minn., Starkey is a global leader in hearing technology and innovation, known for advancing AI-powered hearing solutions that help people hear more naturally and stay connected to the world around them. Starkey brings together artificial intelligence, advanced engineering and human-centered design to create hearing technology that fits seamlessly into everyday life. Through innovation and partnerships with hearing care professionals, Starkey is helping people hear better, live better and experience more of the moments that matter.
“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, a native of Franklin, Wis., began his NOAPS career with JRM in 2021 and found much success with the organization, earning a combined seven wins, 33 top-fives, 57 top-10s and a Championship 4 appearance in 2023. Additionally, Mayer previously raced for JRM in their vaunted Late Model program in 2018-19, which included a victory in the prestigious Bobby Isaac Memorial.
“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.”
Additional details about the No. 1 Starkey team will be announced at a later date.
ABOUT STARKEY:
Starkey is a privately held, global hearing technology company headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Founded by Bill Austin in 1967, Starkey is known for its innovative design, development, and distribution of comprehensive digital hearing systems. Led today by President and CEO Brandon Sawalich, Starkey is the only American-owned provider of hearing technologies. The company has more than 5,000 employees, operates 29 facilities and does business in more than 100 markets worldwide. Learn more at starkey.com.
ABOUT JR MOTORSPORTS:
JR Motorsports is the racing operation co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Fame member and 15-time Most Popular Driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kelley Earnhardt Miller and NASCAR Hall of Famer Rick Hendrick. Now in its 25th year of overall competition, JR
Motorsports competes in multiple divisions, including the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series where it currently fields four full-time teams and earned championships in 2014, 2017, 2018 and 2024. The company also owns seven titles in regional Late Model divisions with consecutive championships in 2022-23 and a prized national title in 2020. To learn more about the organization, its drivers and its sponsorship opportunities, visit www.jrmracing.com.
