Dale Earnhardt Jr., owner of JR Motorsports (JRM), has flirted with the idea of bringing his team to the Cup Series on and off throughout the years. That moment will finally come in 2025, as Dale Jr. announced that JRM will field the No. 40 NASCAR Chevy for Justin Allgaier, who will attempt to qualify for this year’s Daytona 500.
Earnhardt personally dropped the news on social media, speaking from Whisky River, his private Western-themed town on his property. He broke the news that Allgaier – the 2024 Xfinity Series champion – will drive the No. 40 NASCAR Chevy, which will be backed by sponsor Traveller Whiskey and country star Chris Stapleton. The endeavor marks JRM’s first foray into the Cup Series after decades of competition in the Xfinity, Truck, and NASCAR regional series.
“We’ve been waiting for the right moment for JR Motorsports,” Dale Jr. said in a press release. “With Justin winning the Xfinity Series championship and Chris Stapleton’s undeniable star power, the planets aligned for this perfect opportunity to enter this year’s Daytona 500.”
Allgaier is a five-time Xfinity Series Most Popular Driver. He boasts the most top 10 finishes in the division and has brought JRM to Victory Lane more times than any other driver on the roster. He’s had his fair share of experience in the Cup Series as well, racing fulltime in the division in the 2014 and 2015 seasons. Most recently, he drove the No. 5 NASCAR Chevy in the Cup Series, subbing for Kyle Larson at Charlotte in 2024, where he finished 13th in the rain-shortened event.
Fired up for the 500! 🔥@DaleJr | @JRMotorsports pic.twitter.com/lCNJtr3ksc
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) January 15, 2025
“This is an incredible honor to be driving JR Motorsports’ inaugural entry into the Cup Series, and to do it with not only [owners] Dale [Earnhardt Jr.] and Kelley [Earnhardt-Miller], but Chris Stapleton and Traveller Whiskey makes this even more special,” Allgaier said. “Entering into the Daytona 500 has been a goal of this company for a long time and I know that we are going to have everything we need to go out and contend for the win. This is going to be special for sure.”
The Daytona 500 is scheduled for February 16th, 2025.
Comments
A Chevy “what”?
Nothing. Its not a Camaro anymore
Maybe they changed the rules, but thought the “car” had to be in production (min of 500?) for public purchase so it can be entered in NASCAR. This is another scam by calling it just a Chevy.
We have reported extensively on this. Because the Camaro was a production vehicle at the time of its NASCAR application, it is perfectly within the rules.
Monte??
Best of luck to Dale Jr. & company.
This is great news. Justin is my favorite driver and a class act. I always thought he deserved another chance in the Cup series.
Looks like chevy EV !!
The car looks great! Hope they make it into the big show.