JR Motorsports (JRM) is contemplating a more substantial presence in the NASCAR Cup Series, with co-owner Kelley Earnhardt Miller indicating a potential full-time entry. This comes on the heels of Dale Earnhardt Jr.‘s announcement that the team will participate in the 2026 Daytona 500. However, the ongoing charter lawsuit involving NASCAR and Denny Hamlin’s 23XI Racing has introduced uncertainty into the decision-making process.
The legal battle, which also includes Front Row Motorsports, is reshaping the business landscape of NASCAR. As the sport navigates this pivotal moment, Miller is adopting a cautious approach, expressing the need for patience while observing the implications of the lawsuit. Speaking on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, she stated, “I think everybody’s kind of in the same boat right now, just watching to see how things play out with the lawsuit and where things head, before doing anything crazy.”
JRM made a notable debut in the Cup Series earlier this year when Justin Allgaier drove the No. 40 Chevrolet to a top-10 finish in the Daytona 500. This performance showcased the team’s potential on one of the most prestigious stages in stock car racing. Despite this success, Miller emphasized the importance of strategic planning. “Competing in the Daytona 500 is a significant move for us,” she noted. “It’s the biggest stage in stock car racing, providing prime exposure for our partners and sponsors.”
While the Daytona 500 represents a key opportunity, the path forward for JRM in the Cup Series remains unclear. Miller remarked, “We’ll have to figure out if anything else will make sense and how this goes, and just continue to watch the landscape in the Cup Series and what the Charters are doing.”
Despite the uncertainty surrounding their Cup ambitions, JR Motorsports continues to thrive in the Xfinity Series, where they have built a strong reputation. The team is set to field four full-time cars next year, supplemented by a part-time program in collaboration with Trackhouse Racing. This approach keeps the team’s operations active and dynamic. “What we’re doing business-wise is great,” Miller noted, while reaffirming that the Cup Series remains the ultimate goal for the organization. “From a legacy standpoint and everything that we built, I think it would be really cool for us to experience.”
The Earnhardt family legacy is deeply intertwined with NASCAR, and Miller understands the significance of a full-time Cup entry for their heritage. She recognizes that while the opportunity has not yet arisen, it remains an aspiration for JRM. For now, the organization is focused on observing the evolving situation with the charter lawsuit and preparing for future possibilities.
As the legal proceedings unfold, both Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kelley Earnhardt Miller are poised to seize the right opportunity when it presents itself, potentially leading JR Motorsports back to NASCAR’s highest level. The anticipation surrounding their future moves continues to build within the sport, reflecting the broader changes and challenges facing NASCAR today.