JR Motorsports is getting ready to make its NASCAR Cup Series debut at the Daytona 500 as an open team. Given Rick Hendrick’s stake in JR Motorsports and the fact that Hendrick Motorsports already fields the maximum number of Cup cars allowed, JR Motorsports could only introduce a Cup car if Hendrick relinquished his ownership or if NASCAR sanctioned a fifth Hendrick entry. Despite that, JR Motorsports is making an entry into the NASCAR top tier.
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Amid questions about the feasibility of JR Motorsports making its Cup debut given Hendrick’s involvement, Fox Sports reporter Bob Pockrass clarified the situation, noting, “With Hendrick’s minimal ownership in JRM, I believe it will be OK.” He further addressed a similar fan inquiry by pointing out the evolving landscape of NASCAR ownership,
“Times have changed. I believe NASCAR will allow JRM to enter the Cup car even with Hendrick having an ownership piece as investment groups get more involved in the sport. Arctos Partners is invested in Fenway Sports Group (that owns a piece of RFK) and Arctos also owns a piece of JGR.”
However, the decision has not sat well with some fans, who suspect NASCAR of showing favoritism towards Hendrick Motorsports. One fan pointed out, “nascar bends the rules for Hendrick and Jrm.” Another echoed Pockrass’ comments with a twist of sarcasm, remarking, “With Hendrick being NASCAR’s favorite team, it will be OK*.”
Dissent grew among the fanbase, with one asking, “Since when? Previous Dale jr and Kelly were ask and they said Mr H would have to sell for them to go cup racing? For 5 HMS cars,” while another fan drew parallels to a similar situation, questioning, “Isn’t this the same as jgr and 23xi?” Meanwhile, another fan dismissively remarked, “Who cares, it’s Dale MF Jr!”
Since when? Previous Dale jr and Kelly were ask and they said Mr H would have to sell for them to go cup racing? For 5 HMS cars
— Roberts Sports Show (@RobsSportsShow) January 15, 2025
Meanwhile, the reigning NASCAR Xfinity Series champion, Justin Allgaier will pilot the team’s first Cup Series car at the season opener, marking his third Daytona 500 appearance. For Dale Jr., choosing Allgaier was a no-brainer, meant to honor his stellar Xfinity championship.
He expressed, “Justin is not only is he fast, and not only has he helped us have a lot of success here at Junior Motorsports but his professionalism off the racetrack with our partners.”
Embarking on their Cup Series journey after 17 years of anticipation, Dale Jr. highlighted that the timing finally aligned for JR Motorsports to step up to the Cup Series. Despite this milestone, fans remain eager for NASCAR’s clarification on the ownership rules and the implications of having five charters in the Cup Series.
