Home / Sports / Earnhardt Jr. Revs Up for Daytona 500 Comeback as Team Owner
Earnhardt Jr. Revs Up for Daytona 500 Comeback as Team Owner
15 Nov
Summary
- Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s team, JR Motorsports, to enter 2026 Daytona 500
- Driver Justin Allgaier to pilot the No. 40 Chevrolet
- Partnership with music star Chris Stapleton's Traveller Whiskey
In February 2025, Dale Earnhardt Jr. experienced the thrill of his team, JR Motorsports, making its debut in the Daytona 500, even though he didn't turn a single lap himself. Now, the NASCAR legend's team is gearing up for another shot at the prestigious race, set to take place on February 15, 2026.
JR Motorsports, co-owned by Earnhardt Jr. and his sister Kelly Earnhardt-Miller, will field the No. 40 Chevrolet for driver Justin Allgaier, the 2024 Xfinity Series champion. The single-car effort will once again partner with music star Chris Stapleton, with the crooner's Traveller Whiskey brand providing sponsorship and branding support.
The Earnhardt name has long been synonymous with success at Daytona, with Dale Earnhardt Sr. holding the record for most wins at the iconic track. While Junior may not have matched his father's 34 Daytona victories, he did win the Daytona 500 twice and has an impressive 17 total wins at the 2.5-mile tri-oval. As a team owner, JR Motorsports has also found success at Daytona, with nine Xfinity Series victories.
The team's first attempt at the Daytona 500 in 2025 was an emotional journey, as Allgaier barely qualified for the race through the Duel qualifying event. Earnhardt Jr. expressed his deep desire to see his team compete in the "Great American Race," and their ninth-place finish in the main event was a testament to their determination.
