NASCAR’s highest level is a whole different ballgame. Just ask  Denny Hamlin, who is widely considered one of the greatest Cup Series drivers in history. The longest-serving driver for Joe Gibbs Racing has secured 54 race wins in his illustrious career, including triumphs at some of NASCAR’s crown jewels. However, the Championship has eluded Hamlin in his almost two-decade-long career, a testament to just how difficult it is to compete among the best racers in the world.

Justin Allgaier is the in-form racing driver in the Xfinity Series at the moment. Despite two wins in 21 races and is ranked 2nd in the driver standings, Denny Hamlin has expressed his belief that the JR Motorsports driver wouldn’t be on the list of Cup Series prospects when teams look to make changes for the 2025 season.

Denny Hamlin shuts down Allgaier’s Cup Series speculation

Justin Allgaier’s talent is undeniable. The 38-year-old secured his second Xfinity Series win at the Cabo Wabo 250, which was also the 25th of his career. The result meant that he surpassed Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Tommy Houston, recording more victories than either of them in the second tier. Michigan International Speedway was the 18th track where Allgaier entered Victory Lane, an indication of just how versatile he is on different layouts. Over the last five seasons, the driver has secured at least two wins per season, demonstrating his consistency year after year.

Despite securing impressive results in NASCAR’s second tier, Allgaier has failed to make his mark in the Cup Series. Discussing it on the Actions Detrimental podcast, Denny Hamlin said, “You know, he had his opportunities in Cup, and even as a fill-in role, I thought he did a great job at Charlotte, right? Just getting in there and going. I don’t think he will be on the top of anyone’s list, ‘Okay, we are going to pick up this Xfinity Series driver to go to the next level’. I think sometimes, when you stay in a series for a while, you’re kind of just there. Kind of like Ben Rhodes.”

If statistics are to be believed, they back up Denny Hamlin’s claims that Justin Allgaier wouldn’t be a first-choice pick for Cup Series teams. He has made a total of 7 appearances in NASCAR’s highest level in the last six years, with his best finish coming at Charlotte Motor Speedway earlier this year. He finished as high as 8th at Bristol Motor Speedway during his time at HScott Motorsports, which remains his only top-10 finish in his Cup Series career so far.

At the age of 38, Allgaier doesn’t have time on his side to significantly improve as a driver and secure a permanent seat at the highest level. But does he even need to? The JR Motorsports driver has found a competitive team that can challenge for the Xfinity Series title. He hasn’t finished lower than 7th in the driver standings in the last eight years, and if his ongoing season is any indication, it could finally be the year when he improves on his 2nd place finish and lifts the elusive Xfinity Series trophy.

Justin Allgaier pays tribute to JR Motorsports crew after Michigan victory

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Who would have thought that Justin Allgaier and Denny Hamlin would have similarities in their careers? Both drivers have enjoyed plenty of dominant performances throughout their careers but don’t have the silverware to back it up. Allgaier’s race win at Michigan International Speedway couldn’t have been more anti-climactic, as he was in the lead during the final restart when Kyle Sieg’s crash ended the race on the final lap. Just like the FireKeepers Casino 400, the Xfinity Series race was also impacted by rain, which forced the race to go three laps beyond its scheduled 125.

Elated after his victory, Allgaier credited his crew for helping him secure the historic win at Michigan International Speedway. The Illinois native said, “We’ve put ourselves in position so many times to win one here and just seems like nothing has ever gone our way. And last year’s a great example. I mean, we had arguably the best car and got spun on a pit road and just didn’t have enough time to get back to the field. But I cannot say thank you enough to the team. Everybody in Junior Motorsports, everybody at the Hendrick motor shop.”

With five races remaining before the playoffs begin, Justin Allgaier will hope to catch up with leader Cole Custer and finish at the top of the driver standings. With seven top-five and thirteen top-ten results in 21 races, the 38-year-old is having a season to remember at JR Motorsports. Could this finally be the year he goes one step further to secure that elusive Xfinity Series title? By doing so, Allgaier might make a good case that he deserves another shot in the Cup Series for 2025. With some silverware to back it up, teams might be willing to take the chance as well.

Do you think Justin Allgaier deserves a chance in the NASCAR Cup Series? Let us know in the comments!