JR Motorsports continues to make a push toward the NASCAR Cup Series; however, it has not been successful to this point as the organization is still looking to acquire one of the 36 charters in the series.
Despite the organization’s lengthy search for an opportunity, it could have already been completed.
Dale Earnhardt Jr., co-owner of JR Motorsports, discusses the process of acquiring a NASCAR charter
The charter market is truly out of control as each of the guaranteed entries costs around $30 million a piece. This has created a scenario where very little movement is happening to the point where no charters were moved during the 2022 season.
NASCAR teams looking to move into the Cup Series face this problem due to the upcoming TV deal and possibly a new charter agreement. It has created a financial environment that no one is willing to deal with as a team.
Dale Earnhardt Jr., co-owner of JR Motorsports, even mentioned this on a recent podcast episode with Chip Ganassi. Earnhardt Jr. said the organization is still looking to acquire a charter; however, the asking price is in a fantasy world right now.
The 48-year-old owner continued and dropped another piece of information about the charter market that is disappointing to fans. Granted, Earnhardt Jr. did not know how much the value would increase over time. The full quote is below.
“(JR Motorsports) is trying. We’re trying to get people to come off that idea of what a charter is worth. They’re in fantasy world right now…We had some oppurtunies in the past. It’s insane to imagine now what we passed on.”
Dale Earnhardt Jr. on acquiring a NASCAR Cup Series charter
It is easy to look back and see what JR Motorsports missed out on now that it is in the past. The idea of spending $30 million on a charter a few years ago would have made people call them crazy.
Now, it seems to be the most realistic pathway to the Cup Series. It feels like if JR Motorsports had another shot at those opportunities, they would be a full-time team at NASCAR’s top level of racing.
The organization will continue to push for a charter but it might take a while until the prices start to decline. If JR Motorsports does make the jump, which drivers would make sense for the entry? Continue reading to find out below!
Related: JR Motorsports talks about this driver’s future for the team in the Cup Series
3 candidates to drive for JR Motorsports in the NASCAR Cup Series if a charter is acquired
Josh Berry is one driver that many people point to when thinking about JR Motorsports in the NASCAR Cup Series. Based on Earnhardt Jr.’s previous comments, it seems pretty unlikely since Berry is ready to compete on a different timeline than JR Motorsports.
So, who would be an ideal fit if JR Motorsports made the jump? One name that would make sense is Sam Mayer if he were to develop more by the time the organization makes the jump. Mayer is in his second full-time season with JR Motorsports in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
The 20-year-old driver is still looking for his first victory but has seen previous success in the lower ranks. If Mayer can start winning soon, it would be a perfect marriage as the two sides can grow together.
Brandon Jones would also be a good fit. JR Motorsports would not have to worry about sponsorship as Jones has never had a significant problem with it. Plus, the driver of the No. 9 car has started to run slightly better after replacing Noah Gragson.
Jones is not a flashy name and has been in the Xfinity Series for almost 10 years. Perhaps, a breakout season at JR Motorsports could put him in the running to make the jump if a charter is acquired.
Finally, what about Erik Jones? This is an out-of-the-box idea that would make sense if Jones wants a fresh start. The driver of the No. 43 car has really struggled as he sits 25th in the point standings.
This is likely the most improbable option but Jones’ talent is undeniable. It will be interesting to see who JR Motorsports would select if a charter is acquired. Hopefully, that happens in the near future as the team would be perfect for the Cup Series.
In the meantime, whether you are watching it live or looking for how to watch NASCAR on TV, Sportsnaut has you covered for the upcoming weekend at Martinsville Speedway!