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JR Motorsports Makes Its NASCAR Cup Series Debut in Dramatic Daytona 500 Duel

Miguel Cunha by Miguel Cunha
February 14, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 5 mins read
0
JR Motorsports Makes Its NASCAR Cup Series Debut in Dramatic Daytona 500 Duel

Feb 13, 2025; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Justin Allgaier (40) talks to the media after qualifying for the Daytona 500 in Duel 1 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

After years of anticipation, JR Motorsports will officially compete in its first-ever NASCAR Cup Series race at the 2025 Daytona 500—but it didn’t come easy.

Justin Allgaier, piloting the No. 40 Chevrolet sponsored by Traveller Whiskey, had to fight tooth and nail in Duel 1 to secure a spot in the field. In an emotional, heart-stopping battle, he edged out veteran JJ Yeley, surviving chaos, late-race heroics, and relentless pressure.

For Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kelley Earnhardt Miller, and the entire JRM team, this moment was years in the making—and almost slipped through their fingers.

Dale Jr.: “I Didn’t Know How Badly I Wanted This”

Dale Earnhardt Jr. has always downplayed his desire to move JRM into the Cup Series. But after seeing his team on the brink of missing the Daytona 500, he admitted just how much it truly meant to him.

“It really is probably the toughest thing I’ve ever had to answer,” Earnhardt said. “We have kind of tried to downplay how badly we want to race in the Cup Series. But man, we got here, and we got a taste of it. Holy moly, yesterday was so disappointing.”

Allgaier’s qualifying attempt came up 0.0008 seconds too slow to lock into the field outright, forcing him into a nerve-wracking do-or-die Duel 1 battle.

“I didn’t know exactly how badly I wanted to do this until we started going through it,” Earnhardt admitted. “Yesterday was just so tough to understand something as simple as just being a fraction too slow. It was really hard to accept.”

Allgaier’s Wild Ride to the Daytona 500 Grid

Allgaier started 17th in the 23-car field, already knowing that only the best-finishing Open car would make the big race.

Under early caution, his team was forced to change tires unexpectedly, setting him back. Then, on Lap 14, a multi-car wreck erupted in Turn 1.

Miraculously, Allgaier avoided major damage, but he tagged the back of JJ Yeley’s car, sending Yeley into Bubba Wallace’s No. 23 Toyota.

The race continued under intense pressure, with Earnhardt on edge, barely able to watch as his driver fought forward.

“The last two laps, I didn’t think we were in a good spot. I didn’t think there was a third groove. I didn’t think anyone would want to go out there with us,” Earnhardt said. “Justin didn’t have any other choice. He went up there, got some help, and made it work.”

With Chevy teammates Michael McDowell and AJ Allmendinger offering drafting support, Allgaier found just enough momentum to hold off Yeley and secure the final Daytona 500 starting spot.

Allgaier: “I Thought We Were Wrecking”

Even Allgaier wasn’t sure he would make it.

“I don’t know what day of the week it is, what time it is. I feel like we’re in a time warp,” he joked.

On the final lap, when Ty Dillon darted up the track, Allgaier feared the worst.

“I thought we were wrecking,” he admitted.

But the field stayed straight, and JRM’s dream stayed alive.

As Allgaier crossed the finish line, relief washed over him.

“Coming across the line was like this relief that I don’t even know if I got that same relief winning the championship last fall,” he said. “It was really weird. Proud of the effort. Proud of the team. We got a lot of work to do before Sunday, but this is icing on the cake.”

Dale Jr. & Kelley Earnhardt’s Emotional Victory Off the Track

For Earnhardt Jr. and his sister Kelley, this moment was deeply personal.

After years of being one of the top Xfinity Series teams, JRM finally has a car in the Great American Race—at the track that means everything to the Earnhardt family.

Earnhardt hugged Allgaier at the car on pit road, while Kelley received high fives and applause from crew members and fans.

“I was really nervous,” Kelley admitted. “None of us would be sitting up here if it wasn’t for Traveller Whiskey to get behind us. We wouldn’t be able to have this opportunity. … It’s really special to be up here with Dale and Justin and be here for JR Motorsports.”

What’s Next: JRM’s Daytona 500 Debut

Now, the real challenge begins. With Allgaier locked into the field, JRM is ready to compete against NASCAR’s best in its first-ever Cup Series race.

For Dale Jr., Kelley, and the entire JRM organization, just making the race isn’t enough—now they want to make an impact.

Will the No. 40 Chevrolet make noise on Sunday?

One thing is certain—this journey is just getting started.

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