JR Motorsports has been heavily linked to the NASCAR Cup Series for a while; however, there hasn’t been a jump to this point. The organization has continued to focus on the NASCAR Xfinity Series with its four full-time drivers.
It is not a secret. JR Motorsports “absolutely” wants to join the Cup Series. The team tried to make it happen for the 2023 NASCAR season, but everything did not align financially with the new TV and charter deals that are coming soon.
With organizations beginning the movement of solidifying their lineups for the 2024 season, let’s dive into JR Motorsports’ situation and whether they will make the jump to the Cup Series.
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JR Motorsports’ situation as the organization pursues the NASCAR Cup Series
JR Motorsports currently fields four full-time drivers in the NASCAR Xfinity Series; however, one of them is set to sign with a team in the NASCAR Cup Series. Josh Berry, the driver of the No. 8 car, is set to become the driver of the No. 4 car for Stewart-Haas Racing in 2024.
Therefore, the organization will need to replace Berry in the No. 8 car. All signs point to Carson Hocevar being his replacement but it is not the only thing the team is focusing on when it relates to the 2024 season.
As stated above, JR Motorsports is working on a move to the Cup Series but there are a few things that stand in the way of it happening. One is acquiring a charter as it is the only feasible way to make the move.
The charter market currently has an elevated price due to the charter agreement expiring at the conclusion of the 2024 season. It has affected the movement but it doesn’t mean a charter can not be bought or sold during the process.
Outside of that issue, there are not really many other obstacles. It all comes down to acquiring a charter and finding a driver that fits the situation. The organization won’t be a full-time open team so that’s the current problem.
So, will JR Motorsports make a move to the Cup Series and finally add the Earnhardt name to the ownership group? Continue reading to find out the final prediction for the organization!
Related: JR Motorsports should sign this rising NASCAR star in the Xfinity Series for 2024
Final prediction on JR Motorsports moving to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2024
There are many people who hope that JR Motorsports makes the jump to the NASCAR Cup Series. It would be a massive story as the Earnhardt name would return to the Cup Series ownership group alongside Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, and other legends.
However, the final prediction for the 2024 season is that JR Motorsports will not move to the Cup Series. While the organization wants to make the jump, there are too many financial obstacles in the way.
The charter market was around $30 million at the end of the 2023 season and it represented how expensive it was to acquire one. Until a charter agreement is reached between NASCAR and the organizations, it’s difficult to envision much movement.
Dale Earnhardt Jr., a co-owner of JR Motorsports, has previously revealed how the organization missed out on several opportunities that it would take in a heartbeat now. It wouldn’t make sense to overpay for a charter now.
If the charter agreement is made permanent or extended, the price would likely go down. Then, it would make sense for JR Motorsports to make the move. As of now, the financial aspect is a major contribution to why the organization should stay in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
In the meantime, whether you are watching it live or looking for how to watch NASCAR on TV or another streaming platform, Sportsnaut has you covered for the upcoming race weekend at Nashville Superspeedway!