According to Dale Earnhardt Jr, JR Motorsports’ top Late Model Driver, Connor Hall, is looking to make the jump to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2026.
Connor Hall has had an impressive run racing late models for JR Motorsports this season. With just three races left in the CARS Tour Late Model Stock season, the 28-year-old has two wins and currently sits second in the LMSC standings, just one point behind Landen Lewis.
While there is still a championship battle to be had over the next few weeks, during the latest episode of The Dale Jr Download, his car owner, Dale Earnhardt Jr, spoke about Hall’s 2026 plans, saying he will not be behind the wheel of the No. 88 next season, and is instead, looking to make the jump to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
“Connor is going to move on from the CARS Tour next year. His plan is to move out of our car and try to put himself in an opportunity to drive a truck.” — Dale Earnhardt Jr
While Earnhardt did not mention whether or not Hall has had legitimate discussions with any teams, this is an exciting move not only for Hall but also for the CARS Tour, which has become one of many stepping stones for drivers to break into the NASCAR National Series. With names like Josh Berry, Kaden Honeycutt, and Carson Kvapil all cutting their teeth in the series.
Though Hall is a short track racing veteran, he has one NASCAR National Series start under his belt in the Craftsman Truck Series, finishing 10th with McAnally–Hilgemann Racing at Richmond last fall. While he has yet to announce any plans for 2026, there are already a few potentially open slots in the series, with teams like ThorSport Racing and Niece Motorsports seeing recent shakeups.
Another opportunity could also come in the form of RAM’s new five-truck entry with Kaulig Racing, with rumors that fellow CARS Tour alumnus Brendan “Butterbean” Queen could be in the running for one of those seats. Other rumors hint that the OEM could bring in short track racers via a reality TV show, something a driver of Hall’s caliber would be a prime candidate for.
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