JR Motorsports is used to NASCAR drivers graduating from the organization to the NASCAR Cup Series. It has been common for several years, with notable drivers such as Chase Elliott and William Byron going through the system.
The most recent driver was Noah Gragson as he left the No. 9 car for the No. 42 car at Legacy Motor Club. Now, JR Motorsports will have the No. 8 car empty in 2024 as Josh Berry will replace Kevin Harvick in the No. 4 car at Stewart-Haas Racing.
This means the NASCAR team will be tasked with replacing one of its drivers for a second straight season. With the No. 8 car being a premium ride in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, there will be plenty of suitors and there is a surprising driver on that long list.
Related: JR Motorsports talks about replacing Josh Berry in the No. 8 car in 2024
JR Motorsports reveals talks with this NASCAR driver to possibly replace Josh Berry in 2024
There are plenty of reasons to be excited about JR Motorsports’ future in NASCAR and their success in the NASCAR Xfinity Series is one of them. The organization represents one of the powerhouse teams in the Xfinity Series and has been for several years.
It was a slow start to the 2023 season as it took over 10 races for JR Motorsports to enter victory lane; however, it still has been enough for one of their drivers to make the leap to the NASCAR Cup Series.
Berry will drive for Stewart-Haas Racing starting in 2024 which creates an opening for the No. 8 car. While there have been several names linked to the ride, a prominent member of JR Motorsports has officially name-dropped a potential driver.
Dale Earnhardt Jr., a co-owner of JR Motorsports, talked on his podcast, the Dale Jr. Download, about Berry receiving the opportunity at Stewart-Haas Racing and revealed a NASCAR driver that the organization has been talking to for the 2024 season.
“(Josh Berry) got a call. I tried to encourage it as much I could. I’m pretty excited about it, to be honest with you. As far who fills the seat next year in the No. 8 car JR Motorsports, there’s a long list of drivers we’re talking to…(Jeffrey Earnhardt) is one of the drivers we’re talking to (for 2024).”
Dale Earnhardt Jr. reveals who JR Motorsports is considering for the No. 8 car
Jeffrey Earnhardt, a full-time driver for Alpha Prime Racing in the Xfinity Series, is a surprising name to hear but the connection is present. Earnhardt is the nephew of Dale Earnhardt Jr. and has been around the Xfinity Series for multiple years.
The 34-year-old driver has never won a race in NASCAR’s top-3 levels but has stuck around the sport. Earnhardt is not a flashy, young driver but he does represent a feel-good story as he looks for a true opportunity.
Despite being in the Xfinity Series for 11 years, Earnahdt has only completed the full schedule one time as he looks to make that a second time this season. It would be a surprising but popular hire around the NASCAR garage area.
If JR Motorsports decides to go in a different direction than Earnhardt, there are plenty of drivers that would fit the team. Continue reading to find out three ideal candidates to drive the No. 8 car in 2024!
Related: Final prediction on JR Motorsports’ potential move to NASCAR Cup Series in 2024
3 ideal candidates to join JR Motorsports for the 2024 NASCAR season
JR Motorsports needs to fill the No. 8 car as Berry moves to the NASCAR Cup Series and they should have plenty of options. The organization brings elite equipment every week and it is an opportunity to change a career.
Christian Eckes is another solid option in the Chevrolet camp as he also has been good in the Truck Series. Eckes, 22, has two victories for McAnally-Hilgemann Racing at Atlanta Motor Speedway and Darlington Raceway.
The 22-year-old driver is improving his status as a NASCAR prospect and could be getting looks in the Xfinity Series soon. Eckes will only improve and JR Motorsports could take an opportunity on his overall talent.
Carson Hocevar is the most obvious choice to replace Berry next year. Hocevar, 20, is in the midst of a breakout season in the NASCAR Truck Series with Niece Motorsports as he has two wins at Texas Motor Speedway and Nashville Superspeedway.
The 20-year-old driver has made starts for Spire Motorsports in the NASCAR Xfinity Series but the equipment is coming from JR Motorsports’ shop. Hocevar is one of the favorites and should be ready to move up next year.
Ryan Truex represents a good option for JR Motorsports as he would make the No. 8 car a championship contender right off the bat. Truex, 31, is working on a deal with Joe Gibbs Racing but could be available to other teams.
The 31-year-old driver finally broke out for his first NASCAR victory at Dover Motor Speedway and would be a great addition to the organization. With in-house sponsors available, Truex could be near the top of the list.
As said above, JR Motorsports will have plenty of options available to them as they represent one of NASCAR’s powerhouse organizations. The chase for a replacement has begun and it will not be quiet until there is an announcement.