Dale Earnhardt Jr. sent shockwaves through the NASCAR community last week by announcing that JR Motorsports will field reigning Xfinity Series champion Justin Allgaier in next month’s Daytona 500. This marks the first time JR Motorsports has entered a car in a Cup Series race, making it a milestone moment for the team.
The entry will feature a partnership with Grammy-winning artist Chris Stapleton, whose Traveller Whiskey brand will sponsor the JR Motorsports Chevrolet. While the team could have chosen any driver for this historic attempt, Earnhardt Jr. was confident Allgaier was the perfect fit. During the latest episode of the Dale Jr. Download, the NASCAR Hall of Famer and Kelley Earnhardt Miller shared their reasoning behind the decision.
“We’re going to have Justin Allgaier drive the car,” Earnhardt explained. “When we really thought about it, I appreciated not just Justin’s speed and the success he’s had with JR Motorsports, but also his professionalism off the track. He works well with our partners, engages with his team, and maintains a positive attitude in and out of the car.”
Earnhardt emphasized that this Daytona 500 entry might be a one-time deal, with no current plans for additional Cup Series races this year. With such limited opportunities, it was crucial to select a driver who could deliver both on and off the track.
“Going to the Daytona 500, you need a driver who can perform well, and Justin is very capable,” Earnhardt continued. “But for us, it’s just as important that the driver excels outside the car. This is a one-shot deal for Traveller Whiskey, and they need a great overall experience. Their success isn’t just tied to the race results; there’s so much more to accomplish in this process. Justin can help us meet those goals.”
Earnhardt made it clear that choosing Allgaier wasn’t solely about winning the race but ensuring the team and their partners achieve broader success. With Allgaier’s skill and professionalism, he’s the ideal choice for this unique opportunity.
The upcoming Daytona 500 will be a groundbreaking event for JR Motorsports, and with Allgaier behind the wheel of the No. 40 Chevrolet, fans will be eager to see if this historic debut ends with a trip to Victory Lane.
