JR Motorsports is set to make its NASCAR Cup Series debut with a historic entry at the 2025 Daytona 500 with Justin Allgaier as the driver.
The huge milestone marks the culmination of years of success in the Xfinity Series, where JRM has established itself as a powerhouse, capturing multiple championships and developing several drivers who have transitioned to the Cup Series.
JR Motorsports will field the No. 40 Chevrolet driven by Justin Allgaier who is coming off a championship-winning season in the Xfinity Series.
The 38-year old’s experience is notable; he has made 82 starts in the NASCAR Cup Series but is still seeking his first victory at this level.
Allgaier’s journey to this point has been marked by significant achievements in the Xfinity Series, where he has accumulated 25 wins throughout his career. His recent championship victory further solidifies his reputation as a formidable competitor.
Justin Allgaier’s entry will be sponsored by Traveller Whiskey, a brand that has garnered attention through its collaboration with ten-time Grammy Award-winning artist Chris Stapleton. He expressed excitement about representing JR Motorsports at the 2025 Daytona 500 and is determined to make a strong showing.
“This is an incredible honor to be driving JR Motorsports’ inaugural entry in its Cup Series debut,” said Allgaier. ”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.”
Team co-owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. highlighted the importance of this partnership, noting that it was essential for Traveller Whiskey to have a significant role in the car’s design and branding, which included choosing the number 40—a nod to the whiskey blend associated with their product.
“We’ve been waiting for the right moment for JR Motorsports,” said Earnhardt Jr. “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.”
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Earnhardt Jr., who has long envisioned expanding JR Motorsports’ presence in the NASCAR Cup Series, clarified that this entry is currently intended as a one-off effort rather than a full-time commitment for the 2025 season.
However, he did not rule out future opportunities depending on how this initial race unfolds. The decision to enter the 2025 Daytona 500 stemmed from an unexpected opportunity presented by Stapleton’s desire to promote his whiskey brand through motorsport sponsorship.
Greg Ives, a veteran crew chief with extensive experience in NASCAR, will oversee the team during this crucial race. Ives has previously worked with Hendrick Motorsports and brings a wealth of knowledge that will be invaluable as JRM navigates its inaugural Cup Series event.
The Daytona 500 is known as “The Great American Race,” and it serves as the season opener for the NASCAR Cup Series. The competition will be fierce, with an estimated 45 cars expected to attempt qualifying for only 40 starting spots.
Among these entries, only four “open” slots are available for teams without charters, which adds an extra layer of pressure on Allgaier and JR Motorsports to secure their position during qualifying.
The two fastest open entries will earn guaranteed spots based on speed during qualifying, while others will have to rely on performance in the Duel Qualifying Races.
As anticipation builds for the 2025 Daytona 500, fans are eager to see how JR Motorsports will fare against established teams with more extensive resources and experience in the Cup Series.
