JR Motorsports is getting ready to make its NASCAR Cup Series debut at the Daytona 500. Rick Hendrick has a stake in the team along with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and two others. And Hendrick Motorsports already fields the maximum number of Cup cars allowed for an entity. So, as per rules, JR Motorsports can only enter a Cup car if Hendrick relinquished his ownership, or if NASCAR sanctioned a fifth Hendrick entry. Neither has happened, and JR Motorsports is set to enter the fray.
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Amid questions on the team’s feasibility to enter the Cup series, Fox Sports reporter Bob Pockrass gave an explanation.
“With Hendrick’s minimal ownership in JRM, I believe it will be OK,” he said in a post on X, before elaborating on the evolving and intricate 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,” explained Pockrass.
However, some fans suspect NASCAR is showing favoritism toward Hendrick Motorsports.
“Nascar bends the rules for Hendrick and Jrm,” commented one fan.
Another fan replied to Pockrass’ post with sarcasm, remarking, “With Hendrick being NASCAR’s favorite team, it will be OK*.”
Dissent was the overwhelming emotion in the comments. “Since when? Previous Dale jr and Kelley were ask and they said Mr H would have to sell for them to go cup racing? For 5 HMS cars,” wrote one fan. Another person drew parallels to a similar situation, questioning, “Isn’t this the same as jgr and 23xi?”
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
The reigning NASCAR Xfinity Series champion, Justin Allgaier, will pilot JR Motorsports’ first Cup Series car at the season opener, marking his third Daytona 500 appearance. Allgaier was a natural choice for Dale Jr., given his stellar Xfinity stint.
“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,” said Dale Jr.
Embarking on their Cup Series journey after 17 years of anticipation, Dale Jr. highlighted that the timing is just perfect. While this milestone is noteworthy, fans remain eager for NASCAR’s clarification on the ownership rules and the implications of having five charters in the Cup Series.
