JR Motorsports (JRM), co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his sister Kelly Earnhardt Miller, will continue to participate in NASCAR Cup Series events next year. The team, renowned for its success in the NASCAR Xfinity Series—which is soon to be renamed the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series—made its Cup debut at this year’s 67th Daytona 500.
Justin Allgaier, who secured the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series championship with JRM, drove the No. 40 Chevrolet as an open entry after qualifying through a duel race. The team finished a strong ninth at the Daytona 500, avoiding a major crash on the final lap for their first top-10 finish in over a decade of racing in the event. This marks Allgaier’s third Daytona 500 start but his first in ten years, as he has primarily focused on the Xfinity Series.
The No. 40 car will return for the 68th running of the Daytona 500, continuing its partnership with country musician Chris Stapleton and his Traveler Whiskey brand. Over the past 20 years, JR Motorsports has built a dominant presence in NASCAR’s secondary division, capturing four drivers’ championships with Chase Elliott (2014), William Byron (2017), Tyler Reddick (2018), and Allgaier (2024).
Last season was historic for JRM, claiming victory in 17 of 33 Xfinity races and sending three drivers to the Championship 4, though they ultimately fell short of winning the title.
Fan Take: This continuation of JR Motorsports’ efforts in the Cup Series represents a thrilling opportunity for NASCAR fans to see one of the sport’s most successful teams expand its footprint on the biggest stage. With Allgaier leading the charge and strong backing, JRM’s presence could bring fresh excitement and competition to the Cup races, enriching the sport’s future landscape.
