Justin Allgaier is preparing for another chance to compete in the prestigious Daytona 500, continuing his partnership with JR Motorsports in the upcoming NASCAR season. Allgaier’s return to the JR Motorsports Daytona 500 race will see him driving the No. 40 car, once again featuring sponsorship from Traveller Whiskey and Chris Stapleton, after an impressive showing last year.
Allgaier Gears Up for Another Daytona Challenge with JRM
During the offseason, Justin Allgaier, a past Xfinity Series champion, has been focused on readying himself for the new season under Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s JR Motorsports team. This year, Allgaier will once again represent the team not only in the Xfinity Series but also by making a return to the Cup Series for the Daytona 500, where he will pilot the No. 40 entry.
Last season’s partnership saw the iconic mix of brands with Chris Stapleton and Buffalo Trace Distillery’s Traveller Whiskey supporting the team—an arrangement that will continue as Allgaier hits the track in February. His enthusiasm for returning to Daytona was clear as he reflected on last year’s achievements and the opportunity to once again compete on NASCAR’s biggest stage.
“It’s definitely special to be able to make another run at the DAYTONA 500 with Traveller Whiskey, Chris Stapleton, Dale, Kelley and everyone at JR Motorsports.”
— Justin Allgaier, Driver
“Last year was such an amazing experience and I am just thankful to be the one that gets to be behind the wheel of this No. 40. We had such a great time last year and I can’t wait to get down there and do it all again,”
he added. — Justin Allgaier, Driver
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Thoughts on the Upcoming Race
Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer, remains closely involved in Allgaier’s racing journey as both owner and mentor. Earnhardt Jr. is no stranger to Daytona, having claimed two wins at the event in his storied career, while his father, Dale Earnhardt Sr., also secured a famous Daytona 500 victory. Their legacy continues to shape the team’s approach as they prepare for the 68th edition of the 500-mile race.
In a recent episode of his podcast, Dale Earnhardt Jr. discussed his concerns regarding the challenges Allgaier might face this year, given NASCAR’s changing landscape and Chevrolet’s upcoming updates to the Camaro body style in 2026. He recalled that Allgaier’s performance last season landed him a solid ninth-place finish in the Daytona 500, with William Byron from Hendrick Motorsports winning the race.
This year, the qualifying format remains familiar with three opportunities to secure a place: through the time trials and two 125-lap duels. But changes in car design could have a significant impact on the competition.
“I’m nervous because we’re going to have a new body, right? And what does that mean to like typically anytime a manufacturer gets a new body, they don’t really go to Daytona and perform better.”
— Dale Earnhardt Jr., JRM Team Owner
“They changed the body style. Their hope and attempt is that they will make the car more competitive at all of the tracks that they run the most. Like the intermediates and the short tracks.”
— Dale Earnhardt Jr., JRM Team Owner
Chevrolet Updates May Shift the Daytona Playing Field
The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 has evolved significantly since its NASCAR debut in 2018, first being replaced by the ZL1 1LE in 2020, then updated as the NextGen model two years later. Looking ahead, the next body update will feature a more pronounced hood dome, a newly designed front grille, and altered rocker panels. While these changes are aimed at improving performance on intermediate and short tracks, they present an added layer of uncertainty for the Daytona 500 field.
This makes Allgaier’s quest for a strong result even more challenging as the team adapts to the new technology and competitive dynamics. Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the entire JR Motorsports crew are working hard to overcome the learning curve and keep their Daytona ambitions within reach.
What to Expect at the Upcoming Daytona 500
The 2025 Daytona 500, set as the season’s opening points race, is scheduled for February 15. As anticipation builds, fans of the sport will be able to catch the action live on FOX, while radio coverage will be available via SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
With Justin Allgaier making another run at this crown jewel event alongside long-time team boss Dale Earnhardt Jr., and with Chevrolet aiming to make an impact with its latest car updates, this edition of the JR Motorsports Daytona 500 race promises to offer both seasoned fans and new viewers an engaging contest full of storylines and excitement.
