JR Motorsports has been linked to a move to the NASCAR Cup Series for several seasons but nothing has come to frution yet. In fact, Dale Earnhardt Jr., a co-owner of JR Motorsports, said the organization “absolutely wants” to join the Cup Series last year.
Unfortunately for the NASCAR team, there was nothing that lined up and the rest of the organizations in the Cup Series kept its charters. This is due to the new TV and charter deals that will be coming up shortly.
The rumblings continue to persist for JR Motorsports as one of their own drivers, Josh Berry, will replace Kevin Harvick at Stewart-Haas Racing. Will the NASCAR team make the jump alongside Berry or will they continue moving forward in the NASCAR Xfinity Series?
Related: JR Motorsports reveals NASCAR driver that could drive the No. 8 car in 2024
JR Motorsports gives big update on possibly joining the NASCAR Cup Series in 2024
There were previous opportunities for JR Motorsports to join the NASCAR Cup Series. Before the charter market burst to around $30 million, the organization had options that would be characterized as a fleece in this current market.
In fact, Earnhardt said it is “insane to imagine now what we passed on” as JR Motorsports continues to make a push for NASCAR’s top level. At the same time, the organization is looking to find a replacement for Berry.
The No. 8 car is vacant and with one driver already signed for the 2024 season, the NASCAR team is tasked with replacing its beloved full-time driver. However, will there be a need if they make the jump to the Cup Series?
Earnhardt hopped on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio to talk about JR Motorsports’ process of finding a charter for the Cup Series. What is the latest on the organization’s pursuit as NASCAR silly season continues to ramp up?
“There is zero movement on our end. Me and (Kelley Earnhardt-Miller), (L.W. Miller), and everybody at JR Motorsports are always looking forward for an opportunity to get into the (NASCAR Cup Series). We’re interested in that but it has to make sense. I think beyond just trying to get into the Cup Series, I think about my own family, my kids, and their future and what I need to do, what’s smart for me personally, financially, to make sure that long after I’m gone everything is in good order. For me personally, to take such a large risk financially, I feel like I’m being a bit selfish.”
Dale Earnhardt Jr. on JR Motorsports’ pursuit of the NASCAR Cup Series
It may not be the update that many NASCAR fans were hoping for from Earnhardt; however, it is understandable to see where he is coming from with the current charter market. As of November 2022, the market was around $30 million and there is no guarantee the charters will be extended.
This would be a very massive risk for JR Motorsports as the prices could inevitably go down after a potential agreement comes to frution. Plus, there are certainly other factors at play for the Earnhardt family when it comes to finances.
It would be great to see the NASCAR organization make the jump to the Cup Series but the current landscape of the racing series does not accommodate the idea. There are massive hurdles to jump and while they are not impossible to navigate, it would take a big commitment.
What if JR Motorsports decides to push all of its chips to the middle of the table and take the big gamble of acquiring a charter? Continue reading to find out three ideal candidates the organization should consider in 2024!
Related: Final prediction on JR Motorsports’ potential move to NASCAR Cup Series in 2024
3 ideal candidates for JR Motorsports if the team moves to the NASCAR Cup Series
JR Motorsports seems unlikely to make the jump to the NASCAR Cup Series for the 2024 season right now; however, what if that tune changes and the organization finds itself looking for a driver to compete in its new entry?
Sam Mayer would be a logical fit for JR Motorsports as he currently drives for the organization in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Mayer, 20, is in his second full-time season with the team and has failed to win a race to this point.
The 20-year-old driver likely needs more time with his development before making the jump but it might be ideal for the two parties to grow together in the Cup Series. Mayer is the youngest driver in the organization’s Xfinity Series lineup and may have the most potential.
Justin Allgaier would be an easy choice for JR Motorsports if they decided to buy a charter for the 2024 season. Allgaier, 37, is in his eighth full-time Xfinity Series season with the organization as he represents the veteran of the driver lineup.
The 37-year-old driver could bring his sponsor, Brandt, and give the NASCAR team some sponsorship with its new entry. Allgaier would not be a flashy selection but he is one that would bring money, experience, and an already-established relationship.
Todd Gilliland would be the flashy option for JR Motorsports as he represents the driver with the most raw talent on this list. Gilliland, 23, is in his second full-time season with Front Row Motorsports in the Cup Series but might be looking for a new ride soon.
The 23-year-old driver could be on the outside looking in with Zane Smith potentially moving to Front Row Motorsports’ Cup Series program. JR Motorsports would be lucky to come away with Gilliland and just like Mayer, the two parties could grow together.
There will be plenty of speculation and hopeful individuals when it relates to JR Motorsports until they make the jump. Quite frankly, NASCAR would be better of with the Earnhardt name joining the ownership group in the Cup Series.