JR Motorsports has revealed a new paint design for the 2026 season, honoring legendary driver Dale Earnhardt Sr., with the team’s star driver Justin Allgaier piloting the specially decorated #7 Chevy. The announcement was made by Kelley Earnhardt-Miller, Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s sister and business partner, during a social media reveal on December 4, 2025, spotlighting the tribute and the team’s plans for the coming year.
A Nod to NASCAR History Through Design
Kelley Earnhardt-Miller used her X account to showcase the new livery for the team’s Xfinity Series cars, featuring the memorable colors inspired by her father’s career. Dale Earnhardt Sr., remembered as a seven-time Cup Series champion, was synonymous with the black #3 Chevy for Richard Childress Racing—a car he drove from 1984 until his untimely passing in 2001. During his storied tenure, he collected six Cup championships, achieved 67 race wins, finished in the top five 227 times, earned 348 top-ten finishes, and secured 18 pole positions with the iconic car.
Aligned with this legacy, JR Motorsports is set to field cars in matching colors for the 2026 Xfinity Series season. Kelley Earnhardt-Miller celebrated the announcement by sharing a photo of herself standing in front of the #7 machine, wrapped in the tribute paint scheme reminiscent of her father’s racing days.
“A great day revealing the new Carolina Carports design for next year! This design is one of many that Sam Bass created for Dad and it’ll be great to see this hit the track next year!”
Kelley Earnhardt-Miller, JR Motorsports Co-owner
JR Motorsports’ 2026 Driver Line-Up and Plans
The team will compete with five entries for the season. Justin Allgaier will continue behind the wheel of the #7 Chevy, carrying forward both competitive ambitions and a sentimental connection to the Earnhardt legacy. Other full-time drivers include Carson Kvapil and Connor Zilisch, who will share the #1 entry. Cup Series regular Ross Chastain and New Zealander Shane van Gisbergen are scheduled for part-time appearances in the #9 Chevrolet, and Truck Series driver Rajah Caruth will take the controls of the #88 car. This formidable line-up aims to build on the organization’s strong reputation and championship history in the Xfinity Series.
Changes Ahead: A Crew Chief Departure and Team Adjustments
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s organization will see a notable transition as Justin Allgaier’s long-time crew chief, Jim Pohlman, is set to depart ahead of the 2026 season. Pohlman will move to Richard Childress Racing, stepping into the role of crew chief for their #8 Cup Series car, replacing Randall Burnett. Pohlman’s successful tenure at JR Motorsports included leading Justin Allgaier to his first career Xfinity Series championship in 2024, solidifying both men as key players in the team’s recent success. His relationship with the team and Earnhardt Jr., in particular, was marked by mutual respect and accomplishment.
Reacting to the news, Dale Earnhardt Jr. shared his thoughts about Pohlman’s move and the challenge of finding a worthy successor:
“It is hard to replace a guy like Jim. I told Jim I wanted him to stay, but I knew that he had this opportunity and that it was great for him to go and hear it out, right?”
Dale Earnhardt Jr., Team Co-Owner
“Um, he’s worked at RCR before, so he knows that environment. He would know himself whether that’s a comfortable environment for him. He’s been there. And, uh, you know, he made the choice to go, and I love it. I think, you know, it’s tough to replace him,” he added.
Dale Earnhardt Jr., Team Co-Owner
Pohlman’s impending move follows internal changes at Richard Childress Racing, who decided on a crew chief change after a difficult season for their Cup Series driver Kyle Busch. Busch, a former champion, failed to secure a victory and missed the playoffs in both the 2024 and 2025 seasons, prompting calls for strategic shifts within the organization.
Legacy, Impact, and the Road Ahead
The unveiling of the new Earnhardt-inspired paint scheme signifies more than nostalgia—it represents JR Motorsports’ commitment to honoring its family legacy while driving for future victories. With Justin Allgaier at the forefront, the team is poised for another ambitious season, supported by a blend of experienced talent and promising newcomers. As the team adapts to shifts in personnel and embraces its celebrated heritage, the upcoming season promises to captivate fans and reinforce JR Motorsports’ standing in the Xfinity Series.
A great day revealing the new Carolina Carports design for next year!
This design is one of many that Sam Bass created for Dad and it’ll be great to see this hit the track next year! pic.twitter.com/QGJm9vElCl
— Kelley Earnhardt (@EarnhardtKelley) December 4, 2025
