NASCAR Hall of Famer and Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick has named JR Motorsports (JRM) as the premier team in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, solidifying its place as a cornerstone in the development of future Cup Series stars. Hendrick’s endorsement comes with decades of experience, making his praise all the more impactful.
A Family Affair Turned Powerhouse
Speaking on Dirty Mo Media’s podcast, Hendrick reflected on his long-standing relationship with JR Motorsports, co-owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kelly Earnhardt Miller, describing them as “family” and commending their unparalleled success.
“Listen, you and Dale are family to me. I’ve known you guys since you were puppies. And to be honest with you, you’ve done a lot better job of running an Xfinity team than I was doing. Look at your success, your work ethic … You run the best Xfinity organization in racing,” Hendrick said.
This heartfelt recognition underscores not only the competitive dominance of JR Motorsports but also its significant role in cultivating the next generation of NASCAR talent.
Building Blocks of Success
JR Motorsports owes much of its success to its roots in Hendrick Motorsports. The partnership began with the merger of Hendrick’s No. 5 Xfinity car and JR Motorsports’ No. 1 car, creating a formidable force in the second-tier series. Since then, JRM has become synonymous with excellence, producing some of the brightest stars in NASCAR.
Kelly Earnhardt Miller highlighted Hendrick’s crucial role in JRM’s rise during the same podcast:
“I was pretty floored that you gave us the opportunity to take your team from Hendrick Motorsports at the time, the #5 car, and bring it up here to Mooresville to merge it with our #1 car team … We wouldn’t have been as good at it off the bat if we didn’t have the foundation that you guys brought along.”
Why JR Motorsports Stands Out
The NASCAR Xfinity Series is a proving ground for Cup Series aspirants, featuring 26 highly competitive teams. With four drivers regularly competing for wins and championships, JRM has established itself as a dominant force in the series. The team’s combination of talent scouting, race-winning strategy, and consistent performance has set it apart from its rivals.
Over the years, JRM has nurtured drivers who have gone on to make waves in the Cup Series, including Chase Elliott, William Byron, and Tyler Reddick. Their ability to develop talent has made them an essential pipeline for Hendrick Motorsports and the larger NASCAR ecosystem.
A Shared Legacy and Bright Future
The mutual respect between Rick Hendrick and the Earnhardt duo highlights the strength of their partnership and its profound impact on NASCAR. Hendrick’s acknowledgment of JRM as the top Xfinity team isn’t just praise—it’s a testament to their shared commitment to excellence and the development of the sport.
As JRM continues to dominate the Xfinity Series, fans and industry insiders alike eagerly await the next wave of talent the team will propel into NASCAR’s top tier. With Hendrick’s ongoing support and the Earnhardts’ leadership, the future of JR Motorsports—and its contributions to NASCAR—looks brighter than ever.
