Kevin Harvick Snubs NASCAR Titans, Fuels Dale Jr.’s Cup Series Fire with Bold Claim

What makes a great NASCAR team owner? Passion. Leadership. A deep love for the sport. Kevin Harvick believes no one brings that more than Dale Earnhardt Jr. While we do have the likes of Joe Gibbs and Rick Hendrick, Jr.’s connection with the sport seems to be a special one. So much so that despite not being an active racer, he is still the most influential voice of NASCAR.

His perspective is different. His leadership stands out. Building JR Motorsports (JRM) wasn’t easy. Especially after a bitter end to Dale Earnhardt Inc., Kelley laid down the foundation of a new project that will carry on the Earnhardt legacy. Following his retirement, Dale Jr. became active in his ownership role and after dominating the Xfinity Series, they finally made the big leap to the Cup Series during the 2025 Daytona 500.

This was overdue in many ways and Justin Allgaier made the entire team at JRM proud with a top-10 finish in their debut Cup race. Well, this single race itself has seen an output of demands and requests by the fans to see more of JRM in the Cup Series. And it looks like former SHR driver Kevin Harvick has also joined them in expressing his true feelings about seeing Dale Jr. and Co. in the premier series of NASCAR racing.

Harvick Praises JRM’s Success and Earnhardt’s Leadership

Kevin Harvick recently ignited discussions about Junior Motorsports (JRM) joining the NASCAR Cup Series, openly endorsing Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s leadership and vision. On Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour show, Harvick highlighted Earnhardt’s unique approach to team ownership, emphasizing his deep emotional connection to the sport and his ability to bring something fresh to the Cup Series. 

“I wanna see Junior Motorsports in the cup series, I think it’s good for our sport. Seeing Dale Jr., and I know Dale pretty well now, and seeing his enthusiasm showing up in the garage walking with that car everywhere. He holds an immense amount of pride for stuff like that and the history and heritage knowing that it was the first time for his team. He is a very sentimental and emotional person. I wanted to take all of it in and kudos to him for doing that because sometimes I’m not the best at doing stuff like that and he was there from the time the garage opened until the car loaded into the trailer wound up in the 9th place finish, souvenirs trailer is gonna go back empty they sold everything off of that,” he said.

Harvick emphasized the overwhelming fan support, noting how JRM’s merchandise sold out quickly. This proved the excitement surrounding their debut. Additionally, the team’s partnership with country star Chris Stapleton and Traveller Whiskey played a key role in securing their entry. With Justin Allgaier behind the wheel of the No. 40 Chevrolet, JRM made its mark. While he would like to see JRM continue on this good run, he understands that a lot of pieces need to fall into place for them to continue in the big leagues.

“But I truly believe that Junior Motorsports and Dale Jr. need to be on the racetracks on Sundays and I hope that gives them enough enthusiasm and excitement to hopefully put something together because I think that If he’s there on Sunday adds another layer to the cup series we haven’t had in a long time because there is a lot of owners out there that are liked but there’s not an owner out there like Dale Jr. right, so he would bring a different type of ownership to the racetrack that nobody else can bring,” Harvick added.

Harvick’s comments also fueled speculation about JRM’s next step. His confidence in Earnhardt’s ability to compete at the highest level adds weight to the conversation. If JRM moves to the Cup Series, Harvick believes it wouldn’t just be another team—it would be a game-changer. According to Harvick, Earnhardt’s presence would add a unique dynamic the sport hasn’t seen in years. While many team owners are well-liked, none bring the same connection, passion, and influence as Dale Jr. 

Trending

1

Richard Petty Calls for NASCAR to Return to Its Roots Amid Fans Growing Resentment

2

Roger Penske’s Final Hopes Slipping Away as NASCAR Fans Prepare for Honda

3

Bubba Wallace Proposes a Bold Solution to End NASCAR’s Hypocrisy on Dangerous Daytona Finish

4

“I’d Have Smacked Him”: NASCAR Veteran Sends a Strong Message to Defend Dale Earnhardt Jr. Against Fans’ Hate

5

Jimmie Johnson Goes After Rick Hendrick and Others’ NASCAR Legacy With New World Ideas

Carrying the Earnhardt Legacy: Jeffrey Earnhardt’s Next Chapter

Jeffrey Earnhardt continues to chase his family’s legendary NASCAR legacy. In 2025, he returns to Sam Hunt Racing (SHR) for a part-time Xfinity Series schedule, driving the No. 24. His journey mirrors that of his uncle, Dale Earnhardt Jr., who built his own path under immense expectations. While Dale Jr. thrived as a driver and is now a respected team owner, Jeffrey is still fighting for his breakthrough moment. Despite carrying the Earnhardt name, he has faced constant hurdles in securing long-term stability. However, each race is another chance to prove himself.

His road has been anything but easy. Last season, he made six starts with SHR, earning a best finish of eighth at Atlanta. Over the years, he has logged 15 Xfinity Series races with the team, with his strongest run at Nashville in 2022, finishing seventh. At 35 years old, he has accumulated 174 Xfinity and 76 Cup Series starts, but his defining moment came at Talladega in 2022. Driving the iconic No. 3 for Richard Childress Racing, he won the pole, led 10 laps, and finished second—a powerful tribute to his grandfather, Dale Earnhardt.

“I like working hard for what I got. To have someone just give me a ride would be cool, but I’m not gonna go begging for it. I want to work hard and earn it just like my grandfather did,” he said.

Despite access to JR Motorsports under his uncle Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeffrey Earnhardt chose a tougher path, determined to build his career through hard work rather than family connections. He proved his commitment by joining teams like Gaunt Brothers Racing and later Joe Gibbs Racing, where he had to earn every opportunity. His move to Toyota through Gaunt Brothers gave him crucial development time, helping him improve his craft. That dedication paid off when he ran a limited Xfinity schedule with Joe Gibbs Racing, leading laps at Daytona and securing a career-best sixth at Atlanta. Carrying the Earnhardt name comes with pressure, but Jeffrey embraces the challenge, determined to make his mark on his own terms.

Now, he re-enters the spotlight with SHR’s expanded two-car lineup, featuring rookie Dean Thompson in the No. 26. ForeverLawn will sponsor Jeffrey in select, yet-to-be-announced races, keeping his NASCAR hopes alive. His superspeedway skills are proven, but consistency remains his greatest challenge. While Dale Jr. has cemented his place in the sport as a team owner and NASCAR icon, Jeffrey is still writing his own story. With each race, he isn’t just chasing wins—he’s fighting to honor the Earnhardt name and carve out his place in NASCAR’s future.