Justin Allgaier explains decision to hold off on NASCAR retirement

While a deal isn't yet completely finalized, NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series driver Justin Allgaier appears set to return to JR Motorsports for the 2027 season and beyond. 

That news was broken by JRM co-owner Kelly Earnhardt Miller on July 16, when she said that she was "so glad that we talked him into coming back for a couple more years and not retiring yet."

The 2024 O'Reilly Series champion said Friday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway that there are "some things to work through" to finalize the deal, but also explained the reasons he has for not retiring from NASCAR competition just yet.

Why Justin Allgaier is coming back

"Conversation with my wife, most importantly, and my kids," Allgaier said. "Just trying to discuss what they looked like. Even then, partners, making sure that we were able to put funding together to be able to put a race car on the racetrack. 

"So, there's still a few things that have to be finalized before we can say... this is official, we're back. But for me, it was more about entrusting the group around me and seeing what they thought and they felt. Lot of folks in my inner circle that felt like it was time to keep doing what we're doing."

The 40-year-old driver from Riverton, Illinois, leads the O'Reilly Series standings with six wins, 13 top fives and 16 top 10s through the first 21 races of 2026. Allgaier, who has won 34 races in his O'Reilly Series career, has already locked up the No. 1 seed in the Chase and has an excellent shot at procuring his second championship. 

"Obviously, having success on the racetrack this year plays a huge role in that," Allgaier said. "When you're running good and you're enjoying what you're doing, it's easier to stick around."

Quotes provided by NASCAR Media.