Dale Earnhardt Jr. is living proof that some dreams take time—but when they do come true, they’re worth every second of the wait. For years, fans have wondered if JR Motorsports would ever make the leap to NASCAR’s Cup Series. Well, that long-awaited moment is closer than ever, and Dale Jr. couldn’t hide his excitement during a recent interview. Nervous? Sure. But more than anything, he’s ready. After all, this journey began in a tiny shed on his father’s property in 1998. What started as a humble T-shirt business and converted into a race team all the way back in 2002 is now on the brink of Cup Series glory.

Now, with Dale Jr. at the helm and a talented team behind him, JR Motorsports is ready to test its mettle against the sport’s top contenders. Dale Jr. spoke about the team’s readiness and the dream of competing at the highest level. His optimism sets the tone for what could be a historic chapter for JR Motorsports—a chapter that starts with their much-anticipated debut in the Cup Series.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. beams with pride

This milestone has been a long time coming. On April 11, 2021, Dale Jr. first hinted that JR Motorsports could move up to the Cup Series, driven by the cost-saving potential of the Next Gen car. The challenges, however, were steep—acquiring a charter and securing sponsorship were major hurdles. JR Motorsports began their NASCAR journey as they stepped into the Xfinity Series full-time in 2006 with the backing of the United States Navy. 19  years later, with the backing of Chris Stapleton’s Traveler Whiskey and 2024 Xfinity Champion Justin Allgaier, JRM has made the jump.

In an interview before the Duel race at Daytona, Dale Jr. let slip his emotions heading into their Cup Series debut. In the video shared by NASCAR, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is visibly ecstatic. Speaking on securing a spot for the main event, Dale Jr. said, “I’m nervous, yeah, but I’m also really having a good time!” He let out a nervous giggle and continued, “Being in a Cup garage is a dream come true… We’re loving this.”

Speaking on his long-time driver and close friend, Justin Allgaier, Jr. said, “I believe in him [Justin Allgaier]. I believe in the car. We’re as prepared as we can be.” Allgaier did not manage to secure a spot via the time-based qualifying earlier this week, but Dale Jr. is confident in his team’s chances.

“We can’t say that we’re not ready, ’cause we are. Should be a lot of fun,” Dale Jr. said. With the 2025 season officially underway, fans and competitors alike are watching closely to see how the team performs at the highest level. For Dale Jr., it’s more than just a debut. It’s the realization of a dream two decades in the making.

In 2019, JRM launched a driver development program in partnership with GMS Racing, aimed at building a strong pipeline of future talent. Drivers like Noah Gragson, Zane Smith, Sam Mayer, and Adam Lemke were some of the first to join. This program played a critical role in preparing the team for the step up to the Cup Series. Earlier this year, JR Motorsports announced Justin Allgaier as their driver for the 2025 season driving the No. 40 car. And in the first Daytona Duel race, Allgaier has made his team proud!

Trending

1

Ryan Blaney Snatches Up $70 Billion Sponsor as They Leave Struggling F1 Team in the Dumps

2

NASCAR Rumors: Chase Elliott’s Billion Dollar Sponsor to File Bankruptcy One Year After Ugly Exit

3

NASCAR Ready to Steal Roger Penske’s Massive Loss Amidst 4th Manufacturer Rumors

4

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Gets His Own Detectives to Unravel a Mystery of His Father’s Legacy

5

NASCAR Rumors: $41B Japanese Giant to Outrun Dodge to Become NASCAR’s 4th Manufacturer Days After New Reports

Justin Allgaier and Dale Earnhardt Jr. in tears as JR Motorsports earns Daytona 500 spot

It was a dream for Justin Allgaier to race in the NASCAR Cup Series. But, the journey began with an uphill battle at Daytona. However, Allgaier and JR Motorsports have officially fought their way into the 2025 Daytona 500, finishing ninth in Duel No. 1 to secure their spot. It’s a historic moment for the team, making their long-anticipated Cup Series debut at NASCAR’s biggest race.

The road wasn’t easy. After a disappointing qualifying lap of 49.863 that left Allgaier 33rd overall and outside the guaranteed positions, the pressure was on. The Duel race offered their last chance. For Allgaier, the struggles didn’t end there. He didn’t have the pace during the final moments of the race, which could have hampered his chances. Nonetheless, Allgaier delivered when it mattered most, navigating the chaos of the last lap to claim his place on the grid as Bubba Wallace took the checkered flag. “First of all, I’m so proud of Justin man he put this team on his back those last couple of laps… I did not think this was possible… I can’t believe that we got to race on Sunday,” said Dale Jr. with tears in his eyes.

With a starting position now locked, hopes are high for JR Motorsports to make a statement in the main event. All eyes will be on the No. 40 car as the team looks to turn this hard-fought entry into a memorable Daytona 500 debut. One thing’s for sure. Allgaier and JR Motorsports are ready to leave it all on the track. Will their dream debut turn into a fairytale finish at Daytona?