Dale Earnhardt Jr. recently named his choice for a Cup Series driver if his team were to move up, providing fans new insight into his plans as a team owner. This revelation about Dale Earnhardt Jr Cup Series driver choice came during a fan event at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where his legacy as both a driver and owner continues to grow.
JR Motorsports, under Earnhardt’s guidance, has solidified its placement as one of NASCAR’s premier Xfinity Series organizations, boasting an impressive 93 race victories and four championships. While fans and insiders have long urged Dale Earnhardt Jr. to consider a full-time step up to the Cup Series, he has approached the idea with patience, evaluating what the leap would entail in today’s racing landscape.
Impressive Debut in the Cup Series and Driver Selection
Earlier this year, JR Motorsports made headlines by entering the Daytona 500, marking the team’s first Cup Series appearance. Veteran driver Justin Allgaier piloted the #40 Next Gen Chevy Camaro and delivered a memorable ninth-place finish, exceeding many expectations and hinting at the organization’s potential at NASCAR’s highest level. This performance became a key point in discussions around the team’s future ambitions.
During a recent fan Q&A at Charlotte, Dale Earnhardt Jr. was asked directly if he planned to run a full-time Cup car, and who he would select as his lead driver. In response, he praised Allgaier’s performance and potential:
“Well, Justin did a good job for us in Daytona. I think Justin is a Cup talent, Cup quality driver. So, if we did snap our fingers and and get a cup team tomorrow, I think Justin would be our driver. And he’s done a really good job driving the Next Gen car for Chevrolet at test and so forth. And last year when he subbed in for Kyle Larson in the #5, I mean, he drove that car past the leaders to get a lap back, which was really impressive. Good little driver and great friend of the company and so that would be pretty cool,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer
Allgaier’s 2023 substitute appearance for Kyle Larson further cemented his status with Earnhardt, highlighting the driver’s adaptability and skill under pressure.
Focus on the CARS Tour and Grassroots Racing
Despite interest around a possible full-time Cup Series effort, Dale Earnhardt Jr. emphasized his current commitment to the CARS Tour, a regional series aimed at reviving affordable, grassroots racing. Earnhardt described his efforts to support local racing scenes, addressing the financial barriers that keep many potential competitors from taking part in events at their home tracks.
“The CARS Tour is something very very important to me. So trying to make that as big of a success as we can and figuring out how to make grassroots racing a bluecollar affordable sport again is really a huge challenge,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer
By working on grassroots initiatives and acting as a steward for local racing, Earnhardt says his energy is largely focused on ensuring the longevity and accessibility of the sport for everyday fans and aspiring drivers.
High Entry Costs Are a Barrier to Cup Ownership
In a conversation with Kevin Harvick on his podcast, Earnhardt reflected on the changing landscape of Cup Series ownership. He reminisced about earlier eras of NASCAR, when starting a Cup team involved far less financial risk or upfront investment—sometimes just the cost of a car, licenses, and entry fees. Today, the scenario is vastly different, with the cost to enter the Cup Series soaring due to the charter system.
Earnhardt commented on the rising price of charters—the guaranteed entry mechanism for NASCAR’s top series, which has escalated dramatically in the past decade.
“That charter is going to be $100 million and $150 million and 200. It’s going to go to the moon over the next several years. It was a good time to buy it 10 years ago. I regret that I didn’t, but it’s become this place where only people with that kind of money can play,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer
While acknowledging that these high entry costs make Cup ownership challenging for newcomers, Earnhardt also noted that the situation can be beneficial for NASCAR’s existing owners whose investments continue to appreciate.
What the Future Holds for Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Cup Ambitions
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s standing as a team owner is already cemented in the Xfinity Series, but his guarded comments about entering the Cup Series reflect a thoughtful approach focused on sustainability and impact over simple expansion. Justin Allgaier’s strong performances and respected reputation keep him at the top of Junior’s list should JR Motorsports ever expand into full-time Cup competition. Furthermore, Earnhardt’s ongoing work with the CARS Tour reveals a commitment to keeping the foundation of stock car racing strong, accessible, and true to its roots—an effort that could influence the future direction of the sport for years to come.
