JR Motorsports making Daytona 500 debut

After years of discussions, JR Motorsports is officially joining the NASCAR Cup Series and will make their debut at the Daytona 500.

The team has selected Justin Allgaier, the current NASCAR Xfinity Series full-time driver and defending series champion, to pilot their car. Allgaier has participated in 82 NASCAR Cup Series races since his debut in 2013, including one race last season. His best Cup finish so far is a top-10 result.

Greg Ives will assume the role of crew chief for JR Motorsports’ inaugural Cup entry. The car will feature Traveller Whiskey as its primary sponsor, a company owned by country music star Chris Stapleton.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. expressed his excitement for the milestone in the team’s official announcement, stating, “We’ve been waiting for the right moment for JR Motorsports. 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.”

Stapleton also shared his enthusiasm for the partnership: “Traveller Whiskey joining JR Motorsports for their inaugural entry into the Cup Series at the DAYTONA 500 feels like a very natural partnership. I’m honored to be a part of this historic moment with Dale and Kelley, and excited to see Justin race the No. 40 Traveller Whiskey Chevrolet in Daytona.”

Allgaier, thrilled to be part of the momentous occasion, added, “This is an incredible honor to be driving JR Motorsports’ inaugural entry into the Cup Series, and to do it with not only Dale and Kelley, but Chris Stapleton and Traveller Whiskey makes this even more special. 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.”

As of now, no additional plans for future Cup Series races have been announced by JR Motorsports beyond their participation in the 2025 Daytona 500.