JR Motorsports is set to make its NASCAR Cup Series debut in February 2025. The team will attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500 for the first time.
Videos by FanBuzz
According to the announcement, Justin Allgaier will drive the Cup Series car as he attempts to make his first Daytona 500 start since 2015. Veteran crew chief Greg Ives will be atop the pit box for the crown jewel event as he joins forces with JR Motorsports.
The car will feature No. 40 on the doors. This is a nod to the Blend No. 40 utilized in every bottle of Traveller.
https://twitter.com/JohnNewby_/status/187963546039560621
As Earnhardt said during a media session, this Daytona 500 bid is another way to further celebrate Allgaier's first-ever Xfinity Series championship.
The reigning Xfinity Series champions will attempt the Daytona 500 after agreeing to a deal with 10-time Grammy Award winner Chris Stapleton, who will use the race to promote his Traveller Whiskey Brand.
"We've been waiting for the right moment for JR Motorsports," Earnhardt 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 will have to beat out a sizable number of competitors to compete in the Cup Series. The current open cars are the No. 91 Trackhouse Racing entry with Helio Castroneves, the No. 62 Beard Motorsports entry with Anthony Alfredo, the No. 44 NY Racing Team entry with JJ Yeley, the No. 78 Live Fast Motorsports entry with BJ McLeod, and the No. 66 MBM Motorsports entry (driver TBA).
Allgaier has plenty of experience competing in the Cup Series, both as a full-time driver and as a substitute. He most recently drove the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro during the Coca-Cola 600 while filling in for Kyle Larson.
"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," 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."
