[autotag]JR Motorsports[/autotag] is one of the powerhouse organizations in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and their success during the 2022 season is the greatest example. While the race team didn’t win the title, three of its four drivers were in the fight at the Championship 4 event in Phoenix, AZ.
During the 2023 season, JR Motorsports has not been on the same level. Sam Mayer, Justin Allgaier, Josh Berry, and Brandon Jones have only combined for two wins. Plus, the organization is set to lose Berry to the NASCAR Cup Series as Stewart-Haas Racing has given him the opportunity to replace Kevin Harvick in the No. 4 car. So, which drivers would be good replacements in the No. 8 car to bring the team back to the top?
[autotag]Carson Hocevar[/autotag] is one of the top drivers that people will mention for JR Motorsports; however, Hocevar remains one of the top candidates at Spire Motorsports in the Cup Series. The Michigan native has a relationship with both organizations as JR Motorsports supports Spire Motorsports’ efforts in the Xfinity Series.
Hocevar is clearly ready for the next step and JR Motorsports represents the best opportunity in the Xfinity Series. The only question is whether a ride in the Cup Series will develop with Spire Motorsports, as Ty Dillon has seen a slight improvement in performance with the No. 77 car as of late. Either way, the rising NASCAR talent seems set for a new ride in 2024.
RETWEET TO CONGRATULATE CARSON HOCEVAR ON HIS NASCAR TRUCK SERIES WIN AT RICHMOND! pic.twitter.com/vFvnPlvN6X
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) July 30, 2023
[autotag]Christian Eckes[/autotag] is another talented Truck Series driver that currently drives for Chevrolet. Eckes competes in the No. 19 truck for McAnally-Hilgemann Racing and seems poised to make a run at the 2023 Truck Series title. Both drivers mentioned to this point would make sense for JR Motorsports if the overall goal is to bring the most talented drivers to the team.
The New York native could also be a fit with Richard Childress Racing if Austin Hill decides to depart for the Cup Series. Eckes has opened some eyes during the 2023 season and his good performances are likely to be rewarded in the next few years. If Hocevar makes the jump to the Cup Series with Spire Motorsports, it makes sense for Eckes to be the next target for JR Motorsports.
[autotag]Jeffrey Earnhardt[/autotag] is certainly the most popular driver on this list as he is the nephew of JR Motorsports co-owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. It has been an up-and-down journey for Earnhardt but this would be his best opportunity yet. Earnhardt Jr. has also named dropped the North Carolina native as a possible replacement for Berry in the No. 8 car.
Earnhardt would be a feel-good story as a full-time ride would finally go his way in the Xfinity Series. He wouldn’t be a young option at 34 years old; however, it would be a full-circle moment for the Earnhardt family to be together at JR Motorsports.
For now, these three drivers make the most sense on the surface but JR Motorsports will have plenty of options moving forward.
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