JR Motorsports has actively been looking to make the move to the NASCAR Cup Series; however, the organization still sits in the NASCAR Xfinity Series waiting for the right opportunity to be presented.
With a charter being the main pathway to the Cup Series, Dale Earnhardt Jr., co-owner of JR Motorsports, talked about acquiring a charter for JR Motorsports.
Dale Earnhardt Jr., co-owner of JR Motorsports, discusses the idea of acquiring a NASCAR Cup Series charter
JR Motorsports has not won a race in the first seven races of the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series as it has been a slower-than-usual start for the organization. While it has been a little concerning, most of the public attention is directed toward the team’s efforts for the NASCAR Cup Series.
Last year, Earnhardt Jr. said that JR Motorsports “absolutely” wants to join the Cup Series but the right opportunity needs to present itself. Nothing happened by the summer and the organization was left without an opportunity for 2023.
Kelley Earnhardt Miller, co-owner of JR Motorsports, said the team needs to figure out its Cup Series plans by the middle of the 2023 season if it wants to have an opportunity for the 2024 season.
It is now April 2023 which means the conversations will need to start happening sooner rather than later. Earnhardt Jr. discussed acquiring a charter on his podcast with Chip Ganassi, The Dale Jr. Download, and gave an update on the organization’s efforts.
“(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.”
Dale Earnhardt Jr. on JR Motorsports’ efforts to acquire a charter
This is the same viewpoint that Earnhardt Miller shares on the subject. She has previously said that it does not make sense to give away an arm and a leg to acquire a charter if it does not make sense financially.
It was reported in November 2022 that charters are worth around $30 million as new charter and TV deals are on the horizon. This has elevated charter costs so much that no transactions were made during the 2022 season.
However, let’s say that JR Motorsports can shock the NASCAR world and acquire a charter. Who would be some good candidates to drive the organization’s entry in the Cup Series starting in 2024?
Related: Why JR Motorsports’ slow start to the 2023 NASCAR season is concerning
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.