Justin Allgaier recently opened up about a dramatic moment involving fellow driver Jeremy Clements, highlighting a near-catastrophic injury that almost ended Clements’ career in NASCAR. In the course of updates around the sport, Allgaier discussed the harrowing event and its implications for both drivers during a conversation that also touched on recent milestones and future ambitions in the racing world.
Details of Jeremy Clements’ Close Call in NASCAR
During an interview with NASCAR veteran Kenny Wallace, Allgaier recounted how Jeremy Clements narrowly avoided losing his hand following a freak racing accident. The incident occurred when a drive shaft entered Clements’ car, tearing out the inside of his hand—a scenario so severe that amputation was considered unavoidable unless rapid improvement took place within two days. Allgaier explained that Clements’ father pleaded with doctors not to proceed with amputation, resulting in a window of less than 48 hours for potential recovery.
“If you ever if you ever shake Jeremy’s hand, you’ll notice it right away. But the whole inside of Jeremy’s hand was ripped out, right? He had his hand on the wheel. The drive shaft come through the inside of the car, tore out the whole inside of his hand. They were going to cut his hand off,”
he said. [2:54 onwards] – Justin Allgaier, JRM Driver
“And his dad begged them not to cut his hand off,”
he added,
“And the doctor said, ‘Well, I can give him, you know, 24 hours, 48 hours at the most, and if it’s not healing itself, we’re going to have to cut it off.’ And kind of miraculously, the blood vessels and the way that this hand was damaged, they ended up growing around.”
– Justin Allgaier, JRM Driver
This near-tragedy shaped Clements’ ongoing career. Today, he remains one of the longest-tenured Xfinity Series drivers, trailing only Kenny Wallace for most starts, even as Justin Allgaier recently surpassed 500 starts at the Blue Cross NC 250 held at the Charlotte Roval circuit.
Milestones and Upcoming Transitions in the Xfinity Series
As the field’s enduring contenders, both Clements and Allgaier have amassed more than 500 starts in the Xfinity Series, reflecting their resilience and longevity. With 526 starts, Jeremy Clements trails only Kenny Wallace’s 547. Allgaier, just passing the 500 mark, discussed with Wallace whether Clements might eventually hold the record for all-time starts. Allgaier acknowledged the possibility, tying it to his contemplation of retirement from racing at age 40, after which he plans to manage his family business, Allgaier Performance.
Additionally, changes ripple across teams: Allgaier’s crew chief Jim Pohlman has been selected by Richard Childress Racing to lead Kyle Busch’s No.8 crew, marking another significant transition in the NASCAR garage.
JR Motorsports Announces Allgaier’s Daytona 500 Return
Following the conclusion of the 2025 Xfinity Series season, JR Motorsports, owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr., confirmed Justin Allgaier’s entry into the 2026 Daytona 500. Allgaier, a native of Illinois, previously debuted in the Cup Series at the 2025 Daytona 500, where he impressed with a ninth-place finish. The return comes with continued sponsorship from Traveller’s Whiskey, linked to country star Chris Stapleton, which again assumes the primary sponsor role for the No.40 entry.
“How about another round in Daytona?”
– JR Motorsports Announcement
Allgaier’s 2026 appearance will require him to earn his spot through time trials or the 125-lap Duel race. His prior outing saw him qualify with a strong finish in the Duel 150, securing a starting spot in the Great American Race, marking another highlight in his ongoing NASCAR journey.
Looking Ahead for Allgaier, Clements, and NASCAR
The riveting account of Jeremy Clements’ survival and recovery not only underscores the dangers drivers face in NASCAR but also reflects the grit found throughout the racing community. Justin Allgaier’s career continues to evolve, both on and off the track, with milestones, new team developments, and upcoming challenges like the Daytona 500 shaping the sport’s narrative. As the Xfinity Series sees its most experienced drivers weigh records and retirement, fans and teams alike will be watching closely for the next historic moment. For those seeking the latest Justin Allgaier NASCAR updates, these developments promise a season rich with drama, resilience, and shifting legacies.
