JR Motorsports Set to Return to NASCAR Cup Series Action in 2026

What’s Happening?

JR Motorsports will enter its second-ever NASCAR Cup Series race in February as Justin Allgaier and the team’s No. 40 will attempt the Daytona 500 for a second season in a row.

• JRM announced this effort late Friday night after a merchandise listing accidentally spoiled the news. In a post to their social media, the team confirmed that sponsor Traveller Whisky will reunite with the team and Allgaier for the effort.
• This effort will enter the race as an open entry, as the No. 40 will not have a charter. This means they will have to qualify for the race on speed or earn a spot via one of the two duel qualifying races held before race day. 
• Last year, the team raced their way into the 500 via a ninth-place finish in Duel One, and, despite taking damage, they would avoid the massive last-lap crash to secure a ninth-place finish in the 500, marking yet another iconic moment for the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series staple.
• Following the one-off attempt at Daytona, Allgaier stayed atop the charts in merchandise sales among NASCAR drivers for a large portion of the season. Meaning that not only was JRM’s Cup Series debut a success on track, but it was also a success in the marketing side of the sport, with shirts and die-cast selling out fast.

What do you think about this? Let us know your opinion on Discord or X. Don’t forget that you can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.