JR Motorsports will make its NASCAR Cup Series debut at the 2024 Daytona 500, fielding the No. 40 Chevrolet for reigning Xfinity Series champion Justin Allgaier.

The team has partnered with 10-time Grammy winner Chris Stapleton, whose Traveller Whiskey brand will sponsor the entry. The car will need to qualify through either speed qualifying or the Thursday night (Feb. 13) Duel qualifying races.

"We've been waiting for the right moment for JR Motorsports," said Dale Earnhardt Jr. "With Justin winning the Xfinity Series championship and Chris Stapleton's undeniable star power, the planets aligned for this perfect opportunity."

JR Motorsports joins five other Open teams attempting to qualify: Beard Motorsports, Live Fast Motorsports, MBM Motorsports, NY Racing, and Trackhouse Racing.

Allgaier brings significant NASCAR experience to the effort, having made 82 Cup Series starts, including full-time seasons in 2014 and 2015. Since joining JR Motorsports in 2016, he has accumulated 22 Xfinity Series wins and the 2024 championship.

"This is an incredible honor to be driving JR Motorsports' inaugural Cup Series entry," said Allgaier. "Entering the Daytona 500 has been a goal of this company for a long time, and I know we have everything needed to contend for the win."

Allgaier's most recent Cup Series appearance was in the 2023 Coca-Cola 600, where he finished 13th as Kyle Larson's substitute. If he qualifies, this will mark his third Daytona 500 start, following appearances in 2014 (27th place) and 2015 (37th place).

While pursuing the Daytona 500 entry, Allgaier will also defend his Xfinity Series title with JR Motorsports alongside teammates Carson Kvapil, Sammy Smith, and Connor Zilisch.

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