[autotag]JR Motorsports[/autotag] has previously made it public that they want to join the NASCAR Cup Series but it hasn’t worked out to this point. Dale Earnhardt Jr. has talked about the insanely high charter market in the past and that was proven when Spire Motorsports bought Live Fast Motorsports’ charter for around $40 million. Yet, the idea of a move remains a possibility.
It may not happen for the 2024 NASCAR season but what about when the new TV deal and charter agreements come into place? It can’t be ruled out as the sponsorship model could become more feasible for the race teams. Plus, the price of acquiring a charter could decrease due to the agreement being set in stone.
The organization’s most likely path to acquiring a charter would be through a partnership with another owner, such as Chip Ganassi or someone else looking to enter the sport. JR Motorsports may not be able to fork up $40-50 million for a charter so it would make sense to find someone who can help the effort, which is something similar to Pitbull and Trackhouse Racing.
In all likelihood, the expectation that JR Motorsports stays out of the Cup Series in 2024 should remain in place. In fact, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is unsure if he truly wants to become a full-time Cup Series owner some days. Earnhardt’s dream is to field a car in the Daytona 500 and Indianapolis 500, which can be done without acquiring a very, very expensive charter.
Repost to congratulate Justin Allgaier on his WIN at Bristol! https://t.co/2SmgCLVBEe pic.twitter.com/fY4g7XDnzp
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) September 16, 2023
As for which drivers could help JR Motorsports in a potential move to the Cup Series down the line, Sammy Smith makes the most sense. Smith will drive the No. 8 Xfinity car for the organization after Josh Berry was announced as Kevin Harvick’s replacement in 2024. Also, the current Joe Gibbs Racing driver will bring his high-level sponsor Pilot Flying J.
JR Motorsports signed Smith to a multi-year deal and it would make sense to develop him in the Xfinity Series before elevating him to the Cup Series. The organization could build the Cup program from the ground up and Smith fits the bill as he carries significant talent and sponsorship. However, it might all depend on his development over the next year or two.
Honestly, JR Motorsports probably needs some help to fully commit to the Cup Series. That is a big ask but NASCAR would be better off with the last name Earnhardt in the top level. For now, the waiting game will continue as the charter market figures itself out. Plus, JR Motorsports needs to wait for the right opportunity and hope a partner comes along to help aid the efforts.
[lawrence-related id=2291]