JR Motorsports has revealed plans for another JR Motorsports Daytona 500 attempt in 2026, with Justin Allgaier set to drive the No. 40 Chevrolet at Daytona International Speedway. The announcement continues a collaboration that saw Allgaier take a top-ten finish in last year’s running of NASCAR’s flagship event in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Renewed Effort After Previous Top-Ten Success
Allgaier will seek his second consecutive DAYTONA 500 appearance in February, once again aligned with JR Motorsports, the team co-owned by Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Kelley Earnhardt-Miller. Building on their successful run in the previous event, where Allgaier finished in the top ten, the team is determined to repeat—and potentially improve upon—their performance at the 500-mile spectacle known as ‘The Great American Race.’
Backed By Traveller Whiskey and Country Star Chris Stapleton
The No. 40 Chevrolet, driven by Allgaier, will once again feature sponsorship from Traveller Whiskey, a brand created by country music artist Chris Stapleton. The partnership will be particularly visible throughout Speedweek at the 2.5-mile superspeedway as the team looks to make an impression both on and off the track.
Qualifying Challenges Without a NASCAR Cup Charter
Unlike full-time Cup Series outfits, JR Motorsports primarily competes in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and the zMAX CARS Tour and lacks a NASCAR Cup Series charter. As a result, Allgaier and the team must earn their place through qualifying rounds: either by posting a high enough time during the single-car sessions or by racing in as the top open entry during the Duel events ahead of the main race.
Navigating the Duels: Last Year’s Path
Last season, Allgaier was unable to lock in a spot based solely on qualifying time and had to compete in Duel 1. It was during this high-pressure preliminary event that he raced through a hectic final lap incident to grab a ninth-place finish, marking an impressive Cup Series outing for the Xfinity veteran and securing a spot for the No. 40 Chevrolet in the main event.
The First Team Confirmed for the 2026 Field
With the off-season recently underway, JR Motorsports and Allgaier have become the earliest team and driver duo to confirm their intent to run the 2026 DAYTONA 500. As of now, there is no official list of competing entries for that year’s race, leaving the rest of the starting grid a mystery.
Allgaier’s Notable Track Record in NASCAR
Justin Allgaier stands out in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, accruing 28 victories throughout a career spanning 16 years. His accomplishments include 504 total starts, 168 finishes in the top five, 302 top-ten results, and 12 pole positions, establishing him as a consistent presence in NASCAR’s second-tier competition.
JR Motorsports’ Strong 2024 Season and Ongoing Ambitions
Last year, JR Motorsports celebrated its 100th win in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series when Connor Zilisch triumphed at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The organization followed up with five additional victories and saw three of its drivers reach the Championship 4, although the team missed out on the overall title, with Jesse Love ultimately winning the honors instead.
Looking Ahead to NASCAR’s Biggest Race
The 2025 running of the DAYTONA 500 is planned for Sunday, February 15, at 2:30 PM ET, televised on FOX. Fans and competitors now await the evolving entry list and details for the 2026 edition, where JR Motorsports and Justin Allgaier aim to secure another spot and perhaps make a deeper impact in NASCAR’s premier event.
