Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chris Stapleton team up for 2025 Daytona 500 entry with Justin Allgaier

For the first time, Jr. Motorsports will attempt a NASCAR Cup Series race. 

Justin Allgaier will attempt to qualify for the 2025 Daytona 500 driving the No. 40 Chevrolet Camaro owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr. Greg Ives — Earnhardt Jr.'s crew chief in the Cup Series from 2015 to 2017 — will serve as the crew chief for the team.

“It’s been really special,” Allgaier told NASCAR.com. “To be at an organization like this and to be able to make a team debut at the Daytona 500, that’s special. Obviously, we have to qualify our way in. We have a lot of work to do. It’s going to be difficult. But there wouldn’t be anybody that I’d rather tackle this opportunity with than [JRM co-owners] Dale [Earnhardt Jr.] and Kelley [Earnhardt Miller] and LW [Miller, JRM director] and everybody at the race shop.”

Allgaier’s No. 40 car will be sponsored by Traveller Whiskey, a brand created by country music star Chris Stapleton. Allgaier will have to make the race by setting a fast enough time in qualifying on Feb. 12 or by racing his way in via his duel race on Feb. 13. 

The race will be Jr. Motorsports’ maiden voyage in the Cup Series. If Allgaier makes the field, it will be his first Cup Series start since the 2024 Coca-Cola 600, where he filled in for Kyle Larson. Allgaier has not made a Daytona 500 start since 2015, and has an average finish of 26.8 at the track in four Cup Series starts. In Xfinity Series competition at Daytona, Allgaier has made 28 starts, including a win in August 2023. 

Allgaier won the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series championship driving Jr. Motorsports’ No. 7 car, and he will begin his Xfinity Series title defense the day before the Daytona 500 on Feb. 16. 

Even if Allgaier fails to qualify for the Great American Race, the pairing between Earnhardt Jr. and Stapleton is sure to create plenty of buzz around the garage area. If Allgaier is able to make the field, don’t be surprised if the veteran driver finds himself in contention for the win late.