Dale Earnhardt Jr decided to retire from the Cup Series back in 2017. He still dabbled in a one-off odd race occasionally, but now it looks like he is ready to hang up his shoes for good this time. However, it’s not all bad news for Dale Jr fans, as his departure comes with news of a new driver for JR Motorsports.

By winning this year’s 24 Hours of Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring, Connor Zilsch has made it clear that he is not a driver who will live on the sidelines. He has already made a name for himself in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and is even set to drive the No. 88 Chevrolet in races at Watkins Glen, Kansas, Homestead-Miami, and Phoenix. But, as it turns out, there is more in store for the 18-year-old.

JR Motorsports recently teased a video about starting a new chapter in 2025 and after teasing that they said they’ll announce their new driver on the Dale Jr Download podcast. And now, the episode is out. Connor Zilisch is the chosen one and he will be making himself comfortable in the No. 88 Chevrolet.

In the podcast episode, Junior and the team had a chance to talk to Connor Zilisch and Justin Marks, the owner of Trackhouse Racing. They spoke about the prospects of next year. Talking about Zilisch’s growth, Marks said, “Well, we got Connor a job, and we’re really excited that we’ve been able to partner with JRM.” 

Zilisch added to the news, saying, “It’s going to be big for me. A lifetime opportunity at JRM. So many guys in the Cup Series have gone through this building, and they’ve proven to be winners. Every year, every race, these guys come out and bring fast cars, and it’s going to be an honor to drive for Dale and everyone at JR Motorsports.”

With this, Zilisch will get his first full-time seat in any of the three national series of NASCAR. However, the question remains: who among the four current drivers will make way for Zilisch, as currently, the No. 88 car runs on a part-time schedule?

Is Sam Mayer headed to the NASCAR Cup Series?

The 2024 NASCAR silly season has been entertaining and full of surprises, to say the least. However, with JRM now announcing Zilisch as their new driver, it would make sense that either of the current four drivers would have to make way. That is only possible with a departure or a promotion, and the latter prospect looks more likely with Sam Mayer moving up to the Cup Series.

A move to Front Row Motorsports would have made sense given that they have an additional third charter and seat. But this would be quite difficult for him, considering he is from the Chevrolet camp. But all hopes are not lost yet, as Spire Motorsports is looking to find a replacement for Corey LaJoie, who will step down from his duties in the No. 7 car.

While the rumor mills have linked Kyle Busch to Spire, Sam Mayer looks to be a good prospect. Rowdy is still under contract at Richard Childress Racing until 2025, and he is likely to stay put at RCR. Mayer has been vocal about his ambitions to compete in the premier series, and this development at JRM could help him make that next big jump.