2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion Justin Allgaier made history on Feb. 13 as he secured JR Motorsport’s first-ever entry in the Daytona 500. Racing in the Duel 150 qualifying event, he took advantage of a high line, drafting himself to a ninth-place finish on the day.
Following the historic achievement, the focus turned to the team’s co-owner, Dale Earnhardt Jr. A legend of the sport himself, the 50-year-old was overcome with emotion — something he did not see coming, which made him realize how much he wanted the entry into the Great American Race.
Emotions Get the Better of Dale Earnhardt Jr. After a Historic Feat.
Speaking to SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, the 26-time NASCAR Cup race winner revealed he had “no idea” of the achievement would feel like. While the feeling did not seem familiar to Earnhardt Jr., he quickly understood the reason behind it being so emotional.
Per the former Xfinity Series champion, he perhaps wanted to be a cup owner “even worse” than he thought. While he certainly wanted it “a lot,” Dale Earnhardt Jr. revealed it was something “I want more than I realized.”
Speaking further, the Kannapolis-born former driver mentioned that the achievement also opened his eyes to the mountains that his team is yet to climb. Racing in the No. 40 Traveller Whiskey car, Allgaier finished Thursday’s (Feb. 13) Duel 150 in P9, meaning he will start the Daytona 500 in P19.
Following the achievement, Earnhardt Jr. took to X to post a picture of himself and Allgaier, asking the latter to join his team. The photo showed the two of them riding along the back of a car, looking at each other. Signed on by both men, the moment marked the start of a significant partnership, culminating in JRM starting their first-ever Daytona 500.
While all eyes will primarily be on Bubba Wallace, Austin Cindric, and Chase Briscoe, Allgaier will focus on leaving a mark on the Great American Race, making JRM’s first-ever Daytona 500 even more special.
