JR Motorsports is set to make its NASCAR Cup Series debut at the 2024 Daytona 500 with Justin Allgaier behind the wheel of the No. 40 Chevrolet.

The reigning Xfinity Series champion will attempt to qualify for the prestigious race through either qualifying speed or the Thursday night (Feb. 13) Duel qualifying race. The team has partnered with 10-time Grammy winner Chris Stapleton, whose Traveller Whiskey brand will serve as the primary sponsor.

"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 for the Daytona 500: 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 captured the 2024 series title.

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

While pursuing this historic Cup Series opportunity, Allgaier will also defend his Xfinity Series title with JR Motorsports alongside teammates Carson Kvapil, Sammy Smith, and Connor Zilisch.

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