JR Motorsports Cup Series return is now officially scheduled for the 2026 Daytona 500, with co-owners Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kelley Earnhardt Miller bringing the team back to NASCAR‘s top level at one of its most renowned events. The racing organization, which has a strong legacy in the Xfinity Series, made its previous Cup appearance at the 2024 Daytona 500, achieving a notable ninth-place finish.
Strong Xfinity Track Record Lays Foundation for Cup Ambitions
The team, rooted in the NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s leadership alongside Kelley Earnhardt Miller, has spent nearly two decades excelling in the secondary division, recently known as the Xfinity Series and soon to become the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Their extensive list of achievements includes four championship titles won by drivers Chase Elliott in 2014, William Byron in 2017, Tyler Reddick in 2018, and, most recently, Justin Allgaier in 2024.
Justin Allgaier, who has primarily competed in the Xfinity Series, took the wheel of the No. 40 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports during their 2024 Cup debut. Making the field through the Duel qualifier, Allgaier managed to steer clear of a dramatic last-lap crash and secure a top-ten finish in the prestigious Daytona 500, his third career start at the event and first in ten years.
No. 40 Returns for NASCAR’s Showcase Event
In 2026, JR Motorsports will again enter the Daytona 500 with the No. 40 car, reinforcing their ongoing aim to compete at the highest level of stock car racing. The entry will once more be in partnership with country music artist Chris Stapleton and the Traveller Whiskey brand, maintaining the high-profile collaboration seen during their last Cup Series appearance.
Coming off a remarkable season, the team clinched 17 victories out of 33 Xfinity Series races and advanced three of its drivers to the Championship 4. Though they narrowly missed out on another title, the campaign was recognized as one of the most successful in the organization’s history.
Looking Ahead: Renewed Aspirations in NASCAR’s Top Tier
The return of JR Motorsports to the Cup Series at the 2026 Daytona 500 signals a renewal of competitive ambitions and highlights the continuing influence of Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kelley Earnhardt Miller in top-tier NASCAR racing. Their performance at the 2024 Daytona 500, combined with consistent success in the Xfinity Series, underscores their potential to shape future seasons at NASCAR’s highest levels. Fans and industry observers will be watching as the team prepares for another shot at Daytona glory with their established partners and acclaimed driver lineup.
