RPW Exclusive: JRR Motorsports Trades Out Daulton Wilson For Josh Rice

Column By: ROBERT SYMONDS / RPW – CRITTENDEN, KY – The very short Dirt Late Model off season is just beginning and the driver changes are already making their rounds. One of them is with JRR Motorsports. They have had a great four years with Daulton Wilson aboard the 18D traveling full time with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series.

“This was a very hard decision for everyone at JRR,” Rattliff mentioned in a press release. “Daulton has always carried himself with professionalism and represented JRR Motorsports with class. I’ve enjoyed every minute of the past four years. We’ve made incredible memories together — many I’ll never forget. He’s a great driver, and more importantly, a great person. I wish him nothing but the best in 2026 and wherever his career takes him.”

As this time for Wilson has come to an end, JRR has announced a new driver for 2026. The young driver out of Crittenden Kentucky, who has made a name for himself over the last few years. The driver in the JRR Motorsports ride for 2026 is Josh Rice.

Well known for his success at the Florence Speedway, Josh Rice has developed and honed his skills to become a tough regional competitor over the past few years. Capturing many wins including the 2025 Dirt Late Model Dream $30,000 Thursday night Prelim along with Back To Back Championships for the Northern Allstars Late Model Series are just a couple of the highlights. With JRR Motorsports, Rice is likely to leave regional tracks behind to head on a national touring series. Though more is to come, Rice will be moving to compete either for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series or the World of Outlaws Late Model Series for the first time as a rookie.

This “rookie” will have some strong nights ahead of him and put 2026 committed regulars on notice. This season alone, Josh Rice and the Rice Brothers Racing crew have went to Victory Lane 10 times, and finished inside the top 10 over 25 times. For the toughest region for Late Models in the country, that’s no easy feat as Justin Ratliff and the rest of JRR Motorsports had noticed.

The following was posted in an announcement posted on the Rice Brothers Racing Facebook page:

Beginning in 2026, Josh Rice will compete for the JRR Motorsports Team with a complete schedule still being finalized.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to have this opportunity to drive for the Ratliff Family,” says Josh. “Justin and James have deep roots in dirt late model racing and I look forward to working with a group that we have competed against for so many years. I can’t wait for the opportunity.”

Rick Jones’ Sunesis Racing Team will cease operation following the conclusion of the Gateway Dirt Nationals in December. “Rick has been one of the main reason I am able to get this opportunity with JRR. He pushed for this and we’re incredibly grateful for this support these last 12 years.”

Josh’s first race with JRR Motorsports will be October 25th at Atomic Speedway.

Full details on sponsors, schedule, and more will be available in the coming weeks.

More developments are expected to be announced. Keep checking back here on Race Pro Weekly for more