JR Motorsports has been a topic of conversation during the 2022 season for many reasons, including Noah Gragson joins NASCAR Cup Series and the desire of the organization itself to participate in Cup Series races.
Let’s dive into JR Motorsports’ updates during the 2022 season and what the future holds for the organization.
JR Motorsports Updates for the 2022 Season: A Look Back
JR Motorsports had an incredible season as three of its four full-time NASCAR Xfinity Series drivers reached the Championship 4, only to lose to Joe Gibbs Racing driver Ty Gibbs at Phoenix Raceway.
Gragson led the field with eight wins during the 2022 season, while the organization totaled 15 victories in 33 races. However, the leader of that field will not return as he will focus full-time on the NASCAR Cup Series with Petty GMS Motorsports.
Brandon Jones will leave Joe Gibbs Racing and the No. 19 car to drive for JR Motorsports and the No. 9 car next season. Sam Mayer, Justin Allgaier and Josh Berry will all return full-time.
Meanwhile, the organization is interested in joining the Cup Series. Dale Earnhardt Jr. said JR Motorsports “absolutely” wants to join NASCAR’s top tier and Kelley Earnhardt Miller said there have been many discussions.
But it’s not for lack of trying, because the pieces of the puzzle didn’t fit together for financial and other reasons. The organization continues to lobby, but nothing has been done so far.
For that reason, JR Motorsports will not compete in the Cup Series next season. That includes any consideration for part-time action that has taken place, according to Earnhardt Miller.
What does the future of JR Motorsports look like and would NASCAR benefit from the team’s move to the Cup Series?
Related: JR Motorsports will not join NASCAR Cup Series in 2023
JR Motorsports’ Future in NASCAR Beyond 2023
JR Motorsports will not be able to compete in the NASCAR Cup Series until the 2024 season. If that happens, the team will have to implement the system by the middle of the 2023 season.
It’s clear that JR Motorsports wants to make the leap. If that jump comes to fruition next season, the team should be ready by midway through the 2022 season. That’s going to be the same almost every year.
The cost of a charter and the impending TV deal are also factors in the equation. It is unclear what exactly might change under the new deal, as the charter agreement ends in 2024. However, the ithe intentions are to continue said agreement.
It seems realistic that JR Motorsports will eventually move to the Cup Series, but it’s just a matter of making that happen. It’s not a guarantee, but the organization is working hard to make that happen in the coming years.
Otherwise, they will continue to be one of the flagship organizations in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. The team has been incredible, as evidenced by their 15 wins during the 2022 season. The future is bright either way.
NASCAR would benefit from having JR Motorsports at the top level. Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart and Brad Keselowski already hold important positions within Cup Series teams, particularly in terms of ownership.
If the legacy of the Earnhardt name can continue in the Cup Series, it would be a major and tremendous addition to the sport. It will always be difficult to achieve because the rental market is ultra-competitive, estimated at $20 million.
As stated above, no matter what happens, JR Motorsports will be a big part of NASCAR. However, the organization would be even bigger if the Cup Series ever came to fruition.
