Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the JR Motorsports team had a lot to be happy about as Justin Allgaier made a dream debut for the team in NASCAR’s top tier, finishing in the top 10 at this year’s Daytona 500. For Junior, his sister and team co-owner Kelley, and Allgaier, stepping up successfully to the Cup Series was of immense importance.
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While the Xfinity Series champion team is a powerhouse in the second tier, there have been apprehensions regarding whether JRM would be able to cope with the competition in the big league.
The first step, the hardest perhaps, has now been successfully taken. And, despite the challenges involved, NASCAR President Steve Phelps hopes to see JRM in the Cup Series in the future, that too as a full-time team.
“I’m hoping they’ll deal cards more this year and I’m not sure what’s going to happen in the future. We’d love to see them run full-time, obviously. They’re just good people,” said Phelps in an interview with Sports Business Journal.
However, there is one hurdle that could hamper the team’s attempt to secure a permanent entry.
Dale Jr. had always wanted a Cup Series charter. But the extreme cost involved had kept him away, Junior had revealed recently.
“I think the overall hurdle is the initial investment in the charter. I can put some money in, but I cannot, I will not, even if I had it, I would not buy the entire thing myself. I can’t risk my kids’ inheritance and future on some idea of my own. That’s a selfish thing,” said Dale Jr.
This year’s P9 finish at the Daytona 500, however, proved their racing capabilities to the fraternity. That too, after their participation itself was in doubt initially.
The #40 JRM entry into the race, partnering with John Stapleton, was indeed a one-shot chance for the former Hendrick Motorsports driver and his team.
Earnhardts are “the backbone of this sport”
“They were just giddy when they made the race because they are an open team, not a chartered team,” said Phelps of JRM’s qualifying efforts ahead of last weekend’s race at Daytona.
The NASCAR president also touched on how the whole camp was nervous going into the event but started enjoying it as the weekend progressed. He also spoke about how the Earnhardt family’s impact on NASCAR is second to none.
“He [Dale Jr.] and his sister, they’re the backbone of this sport, you know, obviously their dad Dale Earnhardt Sr.,” added Phelps.
As unlikely as it may seem for Dale Jr. to run full-time in the Cup Series, one can never discount the off chance that might present itself — an opportunity for him and his team to take to the big leagues. We are, after all, talking about the Earnhardt clan.
