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Rumors picked up steam earlier in the month when Carson Kvapil offered a cautious update about his full-time campaign status. He confirmed that he will not be driving the No. 1 Chevrolet “full time” next season, and indicated his remaining races will be in cars prepared by JR Motorsports (JRM).

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The ambiguity in his wording, particularly regarding how many races and under which number/team he will run, triggered fan speculation about split rides, development deals, and alternate programs. Many fans floated scenarios such as him joining Jordan Anderson Racing or sharing a ride with Rajah Caruth.

The background to this chatter is meaningful. JRM initially confirmed Kvapil would contest the full 2025 Xfinity Series season, driving the No. 1 Chevrolet. Yet by late 2025, there were conflicting reports: some outlets suggested Kvapil may only run part-time in 2026 due to funding shortfalls and team reorganization. For example, Kvapil himself noted he didn’t bring much to the table financially, making a full season tough without the cash chunk.

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Meanwhile, JRM officially announced on October 29, 2025, that Kvapil will run the full 2026 season in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (Xfinity) via an announcement on social media. The details of car number, team alignment, or partner drivers, however, were left unspecified.

That mixed communication, part cautious, part confident, explains why fan reaction ranged from excitement to skepticism. Some worried that winning Rookie of the Year or even the championship could end with a part-time deal, while others speculated a “32” car run with major JRM and Chevrolet backing could materialize.

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From a development pathway standpoint, Kvapil’s position is interesting. While his results to date have shown promise (part-time Xfinity outings, Late Model championships, etc.), he did not bring major personal funding to the table and therefore faces the classic “talent versus budget” dilemma.

The combination of ambiguity about full-time status and strong backing (JRM, Chevrolet) creates a scenario that’s as much about opportunity as it is about survival in a sponsorship-driven ecosystem.

Now, fans on Reddit are fueling the speculation too.

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 Theories fly on Kvapil’s next lap

One fan floated, “Jordan Anderson Racing, possibly sharing a ride with Rajah Caruth.” The idea sticks. Jordan Anderson Racing fields the No. 31 for Caruth, Chevy-aligned, and ties with JRM grow tighter, sharing engineers, crew on weekends. Kvapil’s hint at JRM-prepped cars outside No. 1 opens the door; a second JAR entry, maybe shared with Caruth, fits the puzzle.

Another vented, “It would be a damn shame if this guy wins ROTY and the championship and ends up part-time while the other rookie this year who didn’t win the title or ROTY ends up promoted to Cup. Right? Right?!”

The gripe hits home. Kvapil’s Late Model crowns, Xfinity flashes outshine some peers, yet cash rules. Sam Mayer, Caruth ride steady Chevy waves; Kvapil scrapes without the same wallet. Josh Berry’s near-miss years back echo, wins piled, seat shaky till deals clicked.

Another fan mused, “I wouldn’t be surprised if the 32 was full-time next year and had major JRM support. JAR itself might have a lot more JRM and Chevy support next year.” No. 32 buzz builds. JRM eyes expansion, satellite ties like Kaulig-RCR. Chevy pushes prospects; a JRM-backed 32 with JAR polish could house Kvapil, Mosack. Garage whispers say Chevy execs lean in heavily.

Finally, one fan heard, “From what I’ve heard it’s not JAR. This stuff came together pretty fast. In a perfect world he is full time in the 1 but really he is gonna have an excellent chance to win races next year.”

The scoop aligns. JRM sources confirm full 2026 slate, maybe new number, same prep. Dale Earnhardt Jr. stressed that Kvapil wins races, reps high; team hustles the lineup. Rodney Childers crews the shot, victories in reach.

Reddit churns the pot, but the brew boils down. Kvapil races full, details fuzzy. JRM, Chevy stitches the safety net; talent meets hustle. Rumors swirl, but the wheel keeps turning.

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