JR Motorsports celebrated its 100th Xfinity Series victory on July 26, as Connor Zilisch took the checkered flag at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, marking a major milestone for the team. The achievement of JR Motorsports 100th Xfinity victory sparked heartfelt moments, especially for team co-owner Kelley Earnhardt Miller, who reflected on the journey and honored key figures such as Mark Martin, the driver who brought the organization its very first win in 2008.
Emotional Reflections and a Surprise Tribute Video
The organization’s celebrations took on extra significance when the JR Motorsports social media team crafted a video honoring every driver who had contributed to the team’s victories over the past 17 years. This gesture was kept under wraps until the milestone win had been secured, surprising key team members as they watched the journey unfold through the compilation.
“That was a surprise to Dale and I, and several people on the team that they got all those videos together which was so neat,”
—Kelley Earnhardt Miller, Team Co-owner
Rather than simply enjoying the tribute, Kelley Earnhardt Miller took it upon herself to reach out personally to each driver featured in the video. Her efforts to individually connect with the drivers underscored the racing family’s close-knit ethos and showed how much each person’s contributions are valued.
“I text all of those drivers Saturday after the race, and it was good to hear back from all of them, but especially Mark Martin,”
—Kelley Earnhardt Miller, Team Co-owner
The responses she received were especially meaningful from Mark Martin, who holds a unique place in the team’s history as the architect of their breakthrough win. Kelley made a point to remind Martin of his ongoing significance to JR Motorsports.
“I told Mark, I said, you might’ve only won one, but it’s always gonna be the first year and win,”
—Kelley Earnhardt Miller, Team Co-owner
Back in March 2008, Mark Martin captured that unforgettable first win for the team at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, steering the No. 5 Chevrolet across the finish line. In acknowledging the 100th win, Martin’s succinct message resonated with the weight of years of shared experience: Incredible milestone.
Key Contributors and the Foundation of Long-Term Success
The milestone victory became a moment for reflection on JR Motorsports’ legacy, not just through the lens of wins but through the people who helped shape the team. Kelley Earnhardt Miller spoke about several drivers who played vital roles in the team’s development and long-term achievements, emphasizing that their involvement went far beyond the racetrack.
“William Byron and Chase Elliott, who we were a really big stepping stone in their career, and cornerstone people like Justin [Allgaier] and Noah [Gragson] that was with us for quite a while,”
—Kelley Earnhardt Miller, Team Co-owner
Additionally, Miller extended her gratitude to drivers such as Ron Fellows. These relationships, she noted, continued to matter even when frequent contact was not always possible.
“and people like that that we don’t get to keep in touch with, that are proud of the success that JR Motorsports had.”
—Kelley Earnhardt Miller, Team Co-owner
The reflections from current and former team members, along with tributes to drivers like Connor Zilisch, William Byron, Chase Elliott, Justin Allgaier, Noah Gragson, and Ron Fellows, reinforced the family spirit within the organization, from its roots to its current elite stature in NASCAR racing.
The Impact and What Lies Ahead
JR Motorsports’ 100th Xfinity Series victory stands as more than just a statistical achievement—it is a testament to nearly two decades of relationships built, challenges overcome, and a racing culture forged through collective effort at places like Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Las Vegas Motor Speedway. As the organization looks forward, the focus remains on building new connections, nurturing rising talent, and honoring the legacy of drivers and team members who shaped its journey. The celebration of this milestone points to a future where family values and competitive ambition continue to drive JR Motorsports’ ongoing success within NASCAR.
