Justin Allgaier is set to make his return to the Daytona 500 in 2026, driving the No. 40 Traveller Whiskey chevrolet/”>Chevrolet for JR Motorsports. This highly anticipated entry brings together Allgaier, GRAMMY-winning artist Chris Stapleton, and Buffalo Trace Distillery, as the team aims to build on their successful performance in last year’s event at Daytona International Speedway, making the “Justin Allgaier Daytona 500” connection a central focus of the story.
Allgaier and JR Motorsports Set for Daytona Comeback
JR Motorsports officially announced on Friday evening, through social media, their commitment to a second consecutive Daytona 500 appearance with Justin Allgaier at the wheel. The popular driver returns after earning a top-10 finish in his debut run for the team in the Great American Race. Chris Stapleton, the distinguished country music singer, will once again back the initiative alongside Traveller Whiskey, with Buffalo Trace Distillery supporting the effort. The choice of number 40 for the car is a tribute to the signature Blend No. 40 in every bottle of Traveller Whiskey, underlining the unique partnership with Stapleton’s brand.
Getting the opportunity to enter a second DAYTONA 500 is something that is extremely special to everyone at JR Motorsports,
said Kelley Earnhardt Miller, CEO of JRM.
Last year was an amazing moment and I’m very proud to be able to see this group come back together with the support of Chris Stapleton and Traveller Whiskey to go after it again in February.
Traveller Whiskey’s Growing Legacy in Racing and Spirits
Traveller Whiskey, supervised by Buffalo Trace Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley, has become renowned not only in spirits competitions but also in its creative partnerships. The brand was recently honored with the title of
“Best of Class American Blended Whiskey”
at the New York World Spirits Competition and holds the distinction of being named the
“Most Awarded Super Premium Whiskey of 2024.”
The product’s nods in the racing realm further enhance its profile, blending the worlds of music, craft, and motorsports.
Allgaier’s Racing Credentials and Continued Partnership
Justin Allgaier, hailing from Riverton, Illinois, is the reigning 2024 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Champion and a six-time winner of the series’ Most Popular Driver award. Recognized for his consistent top-10 finishes and as JR Motorsports’ all-time leader in victories, Allgaier represents both the organization’s competitive edge and its connection to dedicated fans. Notably, BRANDT Professional Agriculture continues as a cornerstone ally for the team and Allgaier, reaffirming their support in the upcoming 2026 event.
Last season, Allgaier’s strategic race approach resulted in him navigating through the highly competitive field for a strong ninth-place finish in the team’s first Daytona 500 outing. The achievement underscored both his experience and the synergy between driver, team, and sponsors.
I’m honored to be able to have the chance to drive this Traveller Whiskey Chevrolet again for Dale, Kelley and all of JR Motorsports,
expressed Allgaier.
Last year was such an incredible opportunity and experience and I am really thankful that Chris Stapleton and Traveller wanted to come back and be a part of this again. We had the speed last year and I know that we will again to make it into the DAYTONA 500. It’s going to be an unbelievable time.
JR Motorsports’ Record-Breaking Success Sets the Stage
This upcoming Daytona 500 marks just the second Cup Series event that both Kelley Earnhardt Miller and Dale Earnhardt Jr. have entered as team owners. Under their direction in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, JR Motorsports has notched 105 victories, including an impressive 17 in the 2025 season alone. The organization boasts four championships, attained by drivers such as Chase Elliott, William Byron, Tyler Reddick, and current champion Justin Allgaier. The consistent performance and passionate leadership distinguish JRM as a formidable force in modern NASCAR.
Allgaier himself added to JRM’s impressive 2025 season, capturing three Xfinity Series race victories and placing third in the championship ranking, just behind Jesse Love and teammate Connor Zilisch.
Looking Ahead: Daytona 500 Week and the Road to the Race
The 2026 schedule will see Allgaier and the No. 40 Traveller Whiskey Chevrolet vying for a spot in the main event at Daytona International Speedway. Festivities will begin with qualification runs on Wednesday, February 11, followed by the Duels on Thursday, February 12 at 7 p.m. ET. The main event, the 68th running of the Great American Race, is set for Sunday, February 15 at 2:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast across FOX, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. There is growing anticipation regarding whether Allgaier and the JRM team can surpass their previous performance and break into the upper echelons of the Daytona 500 standings.
You didn’t think this was a one and done, did you?
said Justin Allgaier in a video shared on JR Motorsports’ official social channels.
Traveller Whiskey: Availability and Distinction
Bottled at 90 proof and formulated from a unique combination of select whiskeys from The Sazerac Company’s award-winning distilleries, Traveller Whiskey is widely accessible to both retailers and hospitality venues across the United States and globally. It is distributed at a recommended retail price of $39.99, with local taxes and fees applicable. The partnership between the whiskey brand and JRM demonstrates a continued blending of top-tier spirits with motorsports culture, representing both passion and craftsmanship in parallel fields. Fans and enthusiasts looking for further details about the product can visit Traveller Whiskey’s official website.
Significance of Allgaier’s Daytona 500 Bid
The return of Justin Allgaier and JR Motorsports to the Daytona 500 not only builds on last year’s historic showing but also strengthens the connection between familial team ownership, fan-favorite drivers, and marquee sponsors like Chris Stapleton and Traveller Whiskey. Their pursuit highlights both the passion and competitive spirit essential to success at Daytona. As preparation intensifies for February 2026, supporters and NASCAR fans alike will be eagerly watching to see if this seasoned group can write another remarkable chapter in the legacy of the Great American Race.
How about another round in Daytona? 🥃 pic.twitter.com/jQFh6aXHjR
— JR Motorsports (@JRMotorsports) November 14, 2025
