The ability to spot and nurture top-class talent in NASCAR is particularly visible in teams managed by present or former drivers. A recent example is Tony Stewart‘s NASCAR team, which announced that Josh Berry will be completing his journey to the Cup Series, signaling his ascension to the pinnacle of stock car racing.
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But upon closer look at this phenomenon of former or current drivers turned team owners hiring the top-of-the-crop drivers from the lower series to the Cup level, it can be observed that teams owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr, Kyle Busch, and Brad Keselowski have frequently recruited some of the most ambitious and high-performing talents from the roster.
This trend underscores how driver-owned teams have consistently supplied the Cup Series with exceptional talent.
Driver-owned teams have brought the best of the best in NASCAR
These driver-owned teams have not only been instrumental in scouting raw talent but also in shaping these prospects into skilled racers. Thus pushing a surge of fresh and promising talent into the Cup Series. This continual infusion of new competitors enriches the racing landscape and ensures the sustained vitality and dynamism of NASCAR.
Since first opening their teams, @DaleJr, @keselowski, and @KyleBusch have brought the best of the best to the #NASCAR Cup Series.
Of the 33 full-timers in 2023, 16 have had significant stints at either Brad Keselowski Racing, JR Motorsports, or Kyle Busch Motorsports.#NASCAR
— Joseph Srigley (@joe_srigley) June 21, 2023
Joseph Srigley of TobyChristie.com shared on Twitter that since their teams’ inception, Dale Jr, Brad Keselowski, and Kyle Busch have introduced the cream of the crop to the NASCAR Cup Series. He pointed out that in 2023, out of 33 full-time racers, 16 have enjoyed considerable tenures at either Brad Keselowski Racing, JR Motorsports, or Kyle Busch Motorsports.
However, it is to note that not all 16 of them were brought in by these teams. Some of them actually raced with them while already at the Cup Stage. Intriguingly, Srigley revealed a small group of eight full-time NASCAR Cup Series drivers.
This exclusive list, including Corey LaJoie, AJ Allmendinger, Chris Buescher, and others, have never raced for these driver-owned teams.
Who are these talents which came from these driver-owned teams?
Over the years, many accomplished drivers have emerged from these driver-owned teams. Notable alumni from JR Motorsports’ Xfinity Series stints include current Legacy Motor Club driver Noah Gragson, 23XI Racing’s Tyler Reddick, HMS driver Chase Elliott, and William Byron. Furthermore, Brad Keselowski’s Xfinity team has seen talent like Ricky Stenhouse Jr, and Bubba Wallace take the wheel.
BONUS: There are only eight full-time #NASCAR Cup Series drivers that have NEVER competed for JRM, BKR, or KBM.
Corey LaJoie
AJ Allmendinger
Chris Buescher
Justin Haley
Michael McDowell
Ricky Stenhouse, Jr.
Ty Dillon
Ty Gibbs— Joseph Srigley (@joe_srigley) June 21, 2023
Likewise, William Byron, now with Hendrick Motorsports, and Christopher Bell of Joe Gibbs Racing, honed their skills at Kyle Busch Motorsports in the NASCAR Truck Series. Other notable mentions from KBM include Gragson and Todd Gilliland.
These talents have successfully navigated their way into various teams within the current NASCAR Cup Series roster. With several race wins under their belts, many have tasted success, like former JRM driver Chase Elliott, who clinched the Cup Series championship in 2020.
Their achievements underscore the vital role these driver-owned teams play in funneling top talent into the Cup Series.
