Who Races For JR Motorsports? The Complete Driver Lineup And Rising Stars
JR Motorsports (JRM) stands as one of the most formidable powerhouses in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr., his sister Kelley Earnhardt Miller, and legendary team owner Rick Hendrick, the Mooresville, North Carolina-based organization has served as a championship-winning breeding ground for elite racing talent. Over the years, JRM has propelled drivers like Brad Keselowski, Chase Elliott, William Byron, Tyler Reddick, and Josh Berry into superstar roles within the NASCAR Cup Series.
For fans, sponsors, and analysts alike, keeping track of who pilots these high-performance Chevrolets is essential. The team operates a multi-car full-time program alongside a highly competitive Late Model program that feeds raw talent into the national touring series. Understanding the current roster, upcoming driver changes, and the developmental system reveals why JR Motorsports remains a dominant force on the racetrack week after week.
The Current JR Motorsports NASCAR Xfinity Series Driver Lineup
JR Motorsports fields four full-time entries in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, utilizing engines and technical support from Hendrick Motorsports. This alliance ensures that every driver who steps into a JRM Chevrolet Camaro has the equipment necessary to contend for wins and championships.
Justin Allgaier (No. 7 Chevrolet)
Justin Allgaier is the undisputed veteran leader of the JR Motorsports stable. Affectionately known as "Little Gator," Allgaier has anchored the No. 7 team for years, bringing a wealth of experience, consistency, and championship caliber to the organization. Backed by long-time sponsor Brandt Professional Agriculture, Allgaier is consistently one of the most formidable title contenders in the garage. His feedback is vital to the engineering department, helping to elevate the setups and performance of his younger teammates.
Sam Mayer (No. 1 Chevrolet)
Representing the younger wave of talent at JRM, Sam Mayer pilots the No. 1 Chevrolet. After climbing the ranks of the ARCA Menards Series, Mayer transitioned to the Xfinity Series with high expectations. Known for his aggressive driving style and exceptional car control, especially on road courses and short tracks, Mayer has matured into a multi-time race winner. His ability to extract maximum speed from his equipment makes him a constant threat for the postseason playoffs.
Sammy Smith (No. 8 Chevrolet)
Sammy Smith joined JR Motorsports to pilot the No. 8 Chevrolet, bringing strong corporate backing from Pilot Flying J and a reputation as a highly disciplined racer. Having previously found success in the Toyota developmental pipeline, Smith's transition to the Chevrolet camp under the JRM banner has showcased his adaptability. His methodical approach to race weekends and ability to preserve equipment for late-race charges make him a vital asset to the team's multi-car dynamic.
Brandon Jones (No. 9 Chevrolet)
Brandon Jones brings extensive Xfinity Series experience to the No. 9 Chevrolet, a car number with a rich history of success at JRM. Supported by Menards, Jones is highly regarded for his technical feedback and his capability to win on intermediate 1.5-mile tracks. His presence in the lineup provides JRM with a balanced mix of veteran poise and race-winning capability, ensuring that all four cars are capable of running at the front of the field.
Part-Time Competitors, Late Model Stars, and Future Roster Moves
Beyond their four full-time Xfinity Series entries, JR Motorsports operates a famous "all-star" car—historically the No. 88 or No. 88-adjacent entries—that features a rotating cast of drivers. This entry allows developmental drivers to gain experience, while also accommodating occasional appearances by Cup Series veterans and Dale Earnhardt Jr. himself.
The organization's Late Model Stock Car program is equally prestigious. Competing in high-profile short-track events across the Southeast, including the CARS Tour, the Late Model program has acted as the primary launching pad for drivers like Josh Berry and Carson Kvapil. Kvapil, a multi-time CARS Tour champion, has made highly impressive part-time starts for JRM in the Xfinity Series, signaling his trajectory as the team's next major national star.
Looking ahead, JRM's roster continues to evolve to capture the brightest prospects in the sport. The team recently announced the signing of teenage phenom Connor Zilisch to a full-time Xfinity Series ride, highlighting JRM's ongoing commitment to securing top-tier talent before they reach the Cup Series level.
Jake Finch Joins JR Motorsports For Five-Race O'Reilly Series Schedule ...
JR Motorsports Driver Directory and Statistics
To understand how the team is structured, it helps to look at the primary drivers, their car numbers, and their key corporate partners.
| Driver | Car Number | Primary Sponsors | Role / Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Justin Allgaier | No. 7 | Brandt Professional Agriculture, Jarrett | Full-Time Xfinity Series Veteran |
| Sam Mayer | No. 1 | Club Car, RTIC Outdoors | Full-Time Xfinity Series Contender |
| Sammy Smith | No. 8 | Pilot Flying J, TMC Transportation | Full-Time Xfinity Series Contender |
| Brandon Jones | No. 9 | Menards, Hudson Pepperoni | Full-Time Xfinity Series Veteran |
| Dale Earnhardt Jr. | No. 88 / Various | Hellmann's, Bass Pro Shops | Part-Time Owner / Driver |
| Carson Kvapil | Late Model / No. 88 | Clarience Technologies | Late Model Champion & Xfinity Prospect |
| Connor Zilisch | No. 88 (Upcoming) | Red Bull, Trackhouse Racing | Full-Time Driver (Future Season) |
The Performance Analysis: Pros and Cons of Racing for JRM
Securing a seat at JR Motorsports is one of the most coveted achievements for any rising stock car driver. However, competing at this elite level carries both immense advantages and unique pressures.
The Pros:
- Hendrick Motorsports Alliance: Drivers benefit from world-class engines, wind-tunnel data, and simulator access shared via the Hendrick Motorsports relationship.
- Unrivaled Media Exposure: Being associated with Dale Earnhardt Jr. guarantees massive media attention, high merchandise sales, and elevated fan support.
- Sponsorship Stability: Led by Kelley Earnhardt Miller, JRM has an industry-wide reputation for delivering exceptional return-on-investment for corporate partners, making it easier for drivers to secure and retain sponsors.
- Proven Cup Series Pathway: Cup team owners closely monitor JRM drivers, knowing they are trained in a professional, championship-winning environment.
The Cons:
- High-Pressure Environment: Driving for a top-tier team means that anything less than race wins and deep playoff runs is viewed as an underperformance.
- Intense Internal Competition: With four highly competitive teammates sharing data, a driver's performance is constantly measured directly against equal equipment in the same garage.
- Sponsorship Dependency: While JRM assists with marketing, drivers must still bring or attract significant financial backing to maintain a full-time seat in the modern NASCAR landscape.
The Driver Development Pathway: How Drivers Get Signed
Getting to race for JR Motorsports is a multi-step process that requires a combination of on-track performance, commercial viability, and strategic relationships.
- Short-Track Excellence: Many JRM drivers begin by catching the eye of Dale Earnhardt Jr. on local short tracks. Winning prestigious races like the ValleyStar Credit Union 300 at Martinsville or dominating the CARS Tour is a proven way to get an invite to test a JRM Late Model.
- The Chevrolet Development Pipeline: JRM is a key partner in Chevrolet's driver simulator and development program. Drivers who excel in ARCA or the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series while driving Chevrolets are frequently funneled toward JRM for Xfinity Series placement.
- Sponsor Alignment: Before a contract is signed, JRM's marketing team works with the driver to align corporate partners with the team's existing sponsor portfolio, ensuring the car is fully funded for the grueling 33-race schedule.
- Acclimation and Debut: Selected drivers are typically given a limited, part-time schedule in the team's "all-star" entry to get acclimated to the team's crew chiefs, spotters, and engineering staff before moving to a full-time role.
Frequently Asked Questions About JR Motorsports Drivers
Who owns JR Motorsports?
JR Motorsports is owned by former NASCAR Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., his sister and business executive Kelley Earnhardt Miller, and Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick.
Does Dale Earnhardt Jr. still race for JR Motorsports?
Yes, Dale Earnhardt Jr. typically competes in one or two NASCAR Xfinity Series races each season for his team. These guest appearances are highly popular with fans and are usually sponsored by long-time partners like Hellmann's or Bass Pro Shops.
Which NASCAR Cup Series stars used to race for JRM?
An impressive number of current Cup Series stars raced for JRM, including Chase Elliott (who won the 2014 Xfinity championship with JRM), William Byron (2017 champion), Tyler Reddick (2018 champion), Alex Bowman, Brad Keselowski, and Josh Berry.
Who will drive the No. 88 car for JR Motorsports in the future?
Rising star Connor Zilisch has been signed to pilot the No. 88 Chevrolet full-time starting in 2025. This highly anticipated move aligns one of motorsports' top prospects with JRM's championship-winning infrastructure.
Experience the Thrill of JR Motorsports
Whether you are a lifelong member of the JR Nation or a brand-new fan of stock car racing, keeping up with the drivers of JR Motorsports offers an exciting look at the present and future of NASCAR. To support the team, you can visit the JR Motorsports official shop online, tour their state-of-the-art race shop in Mooresville, North Carolina, or tune in every weekend to watch the iconic Chevrolets battle for the checkered flag in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
