Justin Allgaier has highlighted the key factors behind JR Motorsports‘ impressive performance in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, attributing their success to a “great mix” of drivers, crew chiefs, engineers, and management. Speaking during the 2025 season at the Pocono Raceway event, Allgaier praised the team’s collaborative effort that fuels their continued strength on the racetrack.
JR Motorsports fields several cars in the NASCAR Xfinity Series full-time and competes part-time in the Cup Series. Their Xfinity roster includes Carson Kvapil (#1), Justin Allgaier (#7), Sammy Smith (#8), and Connor Zilisch (#88), while the Cup Series features Justin Allgaier in the #40 car. The team also enters Late Model Stock Cars and Limited Late Models outside of NASCAR competitions.
Founded in 2005, JR Motorsports is owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kelley Earnhardt Miller and her husband LW Miller, along with Rick Hendrick, who owns Hendrick Motorsports. Building on their 2024 Xfinity Series Championship, won by Justin Allgaier at Phoenix, the team is maintaining its competitive momentum into 2025.
Insights from Justin Allgaier on the factors driving JR Motorsports’ success
During the Pocono Raceway weekend, Allgaier emphasized the importance of every component within JR Motorsports contributing to their strength. He stated,
“We have a great mix of everybody, crew chiefs, engineers, mechanics, drivers, even management, right? Like we’re doing everything we can to, to make our program stronger. And it’s showing on the racetrack right now. But we also can’t be complacent. We have to keep working and putting a better product on the racetrack every week because if we don’t, somebody else will.”
—Justin Allgaier, Driver
This collaborative approach, involving all team roles working in unison, has helped JR Motorsports create a sustained impact on the track. Allgaier’s comments reflect both pride in his team’s current achievements and a clear awareness of the competition’s constant pressure.
JR Motorsports’ statistical dominance in the 2025 Xfinity Series
The drivers from JR Motorsports are leading the 2025 Xfinity Series season with strong performances across the board. Justin Allgaier leads the championship standings with 686 points after 19 races. His season tally includes three victories, ten Top 5 finishes, and twelve Top 10s, showcasing consistent excellence.
Connor Zilisch holds fourth place in the standings with 617 points, matching Allgaier’s three wins and adding eight Top 5s and ten Top 10s. Carson Kvapil sits in sixth place with 554 points, notable for his consistency despite not yet securing a race win, with four Top 5 finishes and eight Top 10s.
Sammy Smith ranks 10th with 502 points, having earned one win, three Top 5s, and ten Top 10s. Overall, JR Motorsports drivers have collected seven wins in 19 races, representing nearly 37 percent of the total victories this season, underlining the team’s dominant presence in the competition.
The broader significance of JR Motorsports’ integrated team approach
JR Motorsports’ success illustrates how a balanced and dedicated team—encompassing drivers, technical staff, and leadership—can elevate performance in one of NASCAR’s most competitive series. Allgaier’s emphasis on continuous improvement highlights the team’s commitment to staying ahead of rivals by refining every aspect of their program.
As the 2025 season progresses, JR Motorsports is poised to remain a major force within the Xfinity Series. Their blend of experienced leadership, talented drivers like Allgaier, Zilisch, Kvapil, and Smith, and strong support roles positions them well for ongoing success at tracks nationwide.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Justin Allgaier make the 500?
A. Earnhardt reached out to shake Justin Allgaier’s hand on pit road after Allgaier placed ninth in the Daytona 500. This was Earnhardt’s first race as a Cup car owner. “Nice work,” Earnhardt said, giving Allgaier a high five. He smiled and hugged Allgaier, saying, “Just as we planned.”