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Founded in 2005 by NASCAR veteran Dale Earnhardt Jr., his sister Kelley Earnhardt Miller, and motorsports magnate Rick Hendrick and HMS founder, JR Motorsports (JRM) has evolved beyond the conventional narrative of a team established by a successful driver. Headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina, JRM operates from a cutting-edge 66,000-square-foot facility, symbolizing its commitment to excellence.
Far from being just another team, JRM has carved its niche in the competitive world of NASCAR, fielding cars for renowned drivers. The team has clinched 81 victories and clinched three Xfinity Series championships, with Chase Elliott securing the title in 2014, William Byron in 2017, and Tyler Reddick in 2018. Beyond on-track triumphs, JRM has emerged as a nurturing ground for emerging talents.
Beyond racing, JRM actively supports philanthropy through the Dale Jr. Foundation, aiding various charities for children in need. Owned by NASCAR’s wealthiest driver, Earnhardt Jr., JRM blends racing excellence with a commitment to positive off-track impact. Many JRM talents have been birthed by JRM, prompting curiosity about the richest driver in JRM’s history.
Who is the richest JRM driver ever?
Esteemed drivers like Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kyle Larson, Kevin Harvick, Tony Stewart, Martin Truex Jr ., and Mark Martin held part-time roles at JRM. However, focusing on full-time drivers for comparison, Danica Patrick emerges as the richest JRM driver ever, boasting a net worth of around $85 million. Her multifaceted career, spanning NASCAR and IndyCar, coupled with strategic investments and lucrative endorsements, solidifies her financial prowess. Patrick’s achievements, including being the only woman to win an IndyCar series race, contribute to her remarkable success.
Patrick’s stint with JR Motorsports (JRM) marked a gritty foray into stock car racing. Despite early hiccups, her perseverance shone at Homestead-Miami Speedway, finishing 19th. Initially, in 2011, she had a part-time schedule that saw Patrick rewriting history at Las Vegas, becoming the highest-finishing woman in national NASCAR. Her tenacity continued into 2012 as she embraced a full-time Nationwide Series with JRM, but was still juggling part-time roles with Cup Series teams.
Launching her 2012 season on a high, Patrick claimed the pole in Daytona, second only to Shawna Robinson in 1994. She was then invited by Tony Stewart for the Eldora Speedway dirt track race, she faced challenges but maintained resilience. However, after one full season with JRM in 2012, she moved to Cup in 2013.
Beyond racing, Patrick secured lucrative endorsements from renowned brands like Chevrolet, Coca-Cola, Nationwide Insurance, and Tissot, with her longstanding partnership with GoDaddy being particularly noteworthy. Her transition into entrepreneurship includes owning a vineyard called Somnium, producing her wine, and launching the athleisure collection “Warrior by Danica Patrick.” These ventures, coupled with her role as a motivational figure for aspiring racers, have solidified Danica Patrick as not only a racing icon but also a savvy businesswoman with a diverse portfolio.
Who is the richest active JRM driver?
For the 2024 season, JR Motorsports (JRM) is fielding four cars, with recently confirmed drivers. Notably, Brandon Jones emerges as the wealthiest (active) driver in the JRM lineup. Joining the team in 2023, Jones, previously engaged in diverse racing ventures, replaced Noah Gragson, who transitioned to Legacy Motor Club for a full-time drive. In his inaugural season with JRM, Jones secured a commendable 14th position and achieved three top-five finishes.
As of 2023, Brandon Jones possesses a net worth of $3 million, stemming from a notable racing journey that began at 13, culminating in track points championships in 2011. His financial success is enhanced by undisclosed endorsements, customary for esteemed racers securing lucrative sponsorship deals. Notably, Jones hails from a racing-oriented family, with his father, JR Jones, holding the position of President and CEO at Rheem Comfort Products, a notable racing sponsor.
In second place behind Jones is Justin Allgaier, a stalwart at JRM since 2016. Known as “Little Gator,” he earned the 2009 NASCAR Nationwide Series Rookie of the Year. Allgaier’s impact at JRM includes wins at Phoenix and Chicagoland in 2017 and a stellar 2018 season with a regular-season championship and five victories. With a net worth of $5 million, Allgaier’s financial success emanates from his accomplished racing career, lucrative endorsements, and strategic investments.
Meanwhile, securing third place is Sam Mayer, JRM’s No. 1 driver since 2022. Notable for on-track clashes, Mayer returned in 2023, clinching wins and earning a Championship 4 berth. His net worth, ranging from $1-3 million, reflects victories in the ARCA Menards Series, brand endorsements, and strategic investments. The fourth driver, Josh Berry’s replacement, Sammy Smith’s net worth has not been made public knowledge just yet.
Is any JRM driver richer than the team owner, Dale Earnhardt Jr.?
Based on available information, it’s evident that Danica Patrick holds the distinction of being the wealthiest driver in JR Motorsports history. While she surpasses other JRM drivers in wealth, Earnhardt Jr. still remains the richest NASCAR driver overall. Patrick’s financial standing, though notable, does not rival Earnhardt Jr.’s exceptional wealth.
Earnhardt Jr. records a staggering net worth of $300 million. In comparison, Danica Patrick’s net worth stands at $80 million, which is nearly 4 times less than Junior’s. The scion of the legendary Dale Earnhardt Sr. attributes his considerable wealth to a prolific racing career and astute business ventures.
Commencing his racing journey at 17, he amassed 26 NASCAR Cup Series wins. Earnhardt Jr. diversified his income through endorsements, earning $22 million annually, representing brands such as Bud Light, Kraft, and Chevy. With a peak annual salary of $26 million in 2013, he held the title of NASCAR’s highest-paid driver from 2008 to 2015.
Beyond racing, his investments include a distinctive pirate-ship-inspired house in Key West valued at $3.7 million, ownership of a Learjet 60 and Cessna Citation Latitude, and co-ownership of Paducah International Raceway. As a JR Motorsports (JRM) team owner, Earnhardt Jr. manages a thriving venture in NASCAR’s Xfinity Series. Renowned for philanthropy, he has granted over 250 wishes through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, solidifying his legacy as a racing legend and influential figure.
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Shane Van Gisbergen Enjoys 'Pretty Exciting' NASCAR Playoff Drama, but Isn’t Sold on One Key Aspect
For the first time in his career, Shane van Gisbergen is experiencing what it is like to be fully involved in the drama of the NASCAR Cup Series. The ongoing tussle in the sport over the championship format and the elimination-style playoffs has led to him providing an opinion based on what he has seen thus far, and it is not something that would make everybody happy. The former Australian Supercars champion was asked for his thoughts on allotting playoff berths to drivers who win a race in the regular season during a recent appearance on Corey LaJoie’s Stacking Pennies podcast. Van Gisbergen himself has a playoff spot secured through this means, for his victories in Mexico, Chicago, and Sonoma. He responded by expressing strong self-awareness right off the bat. Admitting that he made it to the playoffs only through the courtesy of the current system, he said, “When I first won the race, I was 32nd or something [in points], so I can see why, but I really want Brad Keselowski to win a race ’cause he was like 30th as well at the time. “And it would have been interesting to see what people thought about that because he’s a champion. And he could run pretty deep in the playoffs. So, I really like the dynamic it brings now, especially with Bubba [Wallace] winning.” He pointed out how there are drivers on the bubble who are desperate for a win, and that their competitiveness makes things a lot more exciting. This is not a stand that the likes of Denny Hamlin and Mark Martin would appreciate. They’ve been pitching for a full-season points-based format devoid of the formula by which drivers get to the playoffs through regular-season victories. SVG expressed openness to restructuring how the championship is being decided by a single race, but he is too fond of how drivers become eligible to race in the playoffs currently. Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Hamlin have discussed multiple formats in the past through which the champion can be decided through two, three, or more races. The purpose behind this is to crown the most worthy driver. The season finale going down at a single track can turn out to be hugely advantageous for a single driver. For instance, if the finale went down in a road course, van Gisbergen is the likely driver to end up being the champion, due to his mastery of the track type, even if he hasn’t necessarily been the best driver of the season. This is something NASCAR must try to avoid, and the Kiwi is all there to see change on this front.
Blue Jays demolish MLB records with eye-popping Coors Field performance
DENVER — There's nothing like coming to Coors Field to fix what ails you. Just ask the Toronto Blue Jays. Losers of six of eight games before arriving in Denver, the Blue Jays posted an MLB-record 63 hits in a three-game series while easily sweeping a road series from the Colorado Rockies. By totaling 25 hits on Monday night, 14 on Tuesday and 24 in Wednesday's matinee, the Blue Jays set a new MLB standard for offensive prowess. Toronto passed the MLB record of 62 hits in a three-game series, set by the Boston Red Sox in a June 7-9, 1950 matchup against the St. Louis Browns. As part of the hit parade, Toronto smashed 13 home runs, the most ever surrendered by the Rockies in a three-game set. Included in that barrage were three hits by Bo Bichette, including a three-run shot on Wednesday afternoon that got the Blue Jays rolling in the third inning. Kyle Freeland, Wednesday's starter for Colorado, allowed seven hits in his 4.2 innings of work. That was the fewest amount of hits given up by a Rockies starter against Toronto, as Rockies starter Tanner Gordon allowed 11 in 2.2 frames on Monday, while Anthony Molina surrendered nine in 5.0 innings on Tuesday. "We need to pitch with confidence as starting pitchers. We need to command the baseball better in general," said Rockies interim manager Warren Schaeffer as his team slipped to 30-84 on the season. "We have to put hitters away when we have that opportunity." That was something Colorado couldn't do against the Blue Jays on Wednesday, as their first six runs of a 20-1 blowout win came with two outs in the frame. Wednesday's offensive explosion helped Toronto outscore the Rockies, 45-6, in the series. That run differential was the second-most in MLB's modern era and the most runs scored by an MLB team in a three-game series since the 2019 Chicago Cubs scored 47 runs against the Pittsburgh Pirates from Sept. 13-15, 2019. In all, the 45 runs, 63 hits and 13 home runs allowed in the series were each the most allowed by Colorado pitchers in a three-game set in franchise history. How bad did it get for Colorado at the end of the series? Down 12-1 entering the ninth inning on Wednesday, the Rockies put catcher Austin Nola on the mound for his first-ever pitching appearance. He was nothing like his younger brother, Philadelphia Phillies ace Aaron Nola, as he promptly gave up four consecutive doubles, including RBI shots from Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., as part of eight hits and eight runs posted by the Blue Jays against him. "It hurts when you get beat that bad for three games," Nola said. "We can compete with anybody. I know we can. We're all Major League players, so it definitely hurts. We're going to have to flush this one and get back out there on Friday in Arizona and have a new competitive attitude." All quotations obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.
NFL Hall of Famer reveals why he chose to join Deion Sanders' Colorado coaching staff
Marshall Faulk is Colorado's new running backs coach, and the Buffaloes could not ask for someone with better experience for the job. That's, of course, because this is Faulk's first coaching gig. As a player, though, there were few better than the Pro Football Hall of Famer. In 12 seasons in the NFL, he rushed 2,836 times for 12,279 yards and 100 total touchdowns. He was a league MVP, a seven-time Pro Bowler and a Super Bowl champ. Faulk was the real deal, and now he has a chance to pass his experiences on to the running backs at Colorado. For him, it's more than just the opportunity to coach football, though. He gets to coach under Deion Sanders, whom he views as a major difference-maker for the game of football. "You guys know him in a different way than I know him," Faulk said in a recent media availability (h/t On3). "We’ve been friends for many years. We worked together in television. We always talk just about the game and probably more about kids coming up in the game. How do you affect and make sure they come into the game the right way? He’s one of those way makers. When you pay attention to kids that’s gonna leave this program and go to the next level, they’re gonna do it in a certain way and you’re gonna say, 'Wow, they were coached by a guy who understands how to get it done.' I identify with that." Colorado can certainly use Faulk's expertise heading into 2025. There are several players battling for the starting role after Isaiah Augustave transferred to South Carolina. Even then, he was Colorado's leading rusher last season while rushing for just 384 yards and four touchdowns, so it's not like the Buffs have a big gap that they're trying to replace. Dekalon Taylor transferred in from Incarnate Word, where he rushed for 909 yards and nine touchdowns last season, so he'll be a player to watch. Dallan Hayden, Micah Welch, Simeon Price and Charlie Offerdahl are also names to know. Faulk will have his work cut out for him, but he seems excited to make a difference both on and off the field for these young Buffaloes. "So coming here not just to win games on the field, but to win the game off the field, which is to make sure that these young men in life become what they want to become outside of football. They become the father that they want to be, the brother, the husband. Making sure that they do that, that’s the important part. That was attractive," he said.
Oilers' new signing ranked among NHL's worst contracts
Despite boasting a core of elite contracts that include Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman, the Edmonton Oilers saw their overall contract value rankings take a hit in a recent article by The Athletic. Dom Luszczyszyn looks at every team and its contract situations each season. The Oilers ranked 8th overall, but that dropped them down the standings, largely due to the new eight-year, $3.9 million AAV deal handed to forward Trent Frederic. In a recent analysis evaluating NHL contract efficiency, Frederic’s deal earned a D-grade — one of the lowest marks handed out — alongside the much-maligned Darnell Nurse contract. He was signed to the new deal this offseason after arriving to the Oilers via a trade at the deadline. Injured, but in the lineup for the playoffs, he wasn’t exactly the most effective forward. The Oilers believe he has a lot more to give and GM Stan Bowman bet on the forward. Frederic’s extension, which carries a modest annual cap hit but stretches through 2033, is projected to offer just a +20.1% positive value while delivering a -$15.2 million total surplus over its duration. Frederic’s ranking is particularly glaring when placed next to the six A-grade contracts on the Oilers’ books. No other forward has a grade lower than a C. The team also has four different A-grades, an A for McDavid and an A+ for Draisaitl. Combined with team-friendly deals for stars like McDavid and Draisaitl, Edmonton remains one of the league’s most efficient teams in terms of contract value. Will the Oilers shed either of these bad contracts? According to this ranking, Frederic and Nurse deals are two glaring liabilities. Don’t expect the Oilers to move off either contract anytime soon. Bowman said of the Frederic deal: “…he’s a very unique player with the skillset that he has. He’s a big guy, he’s a physical player, he’s not afraid. He’s got that intimidation factor where he’ll go to the other team’s bench and challenge anybody, like stop messing around with our group. That’s something that I find, you either have that or you don’t. … And he’s scored, you know, he scored what, 18 goals twice in a row at a fairly young, younger age. So I think he’s got the game in him. And I think when you add all that up, it comes down to he’s a very unique player. It’s not like if we passed on Frederic, we’ll just go get so-and-so, who’s maybe a little different, but the same type of player. Not a lot of guys like that out there. They just aren’t anymore.” As for Nurse, there was talk that the Oilers approached him and others about their no-move clauses, and Nurse declined to waive his. The hope is that he elevates his game, and with the rising salary cap, his deal doesn’t look like such an albatross. With several key contracts set to expire soon — including McDavid’s — and questions lingering around term for others, the Oilers need to be cautious with long-term commitments. As it stands, the Frederic deal is a warning sign that not every extension is created equal, even on a Cup-contending roster.
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