Dale Earnhardt Jr. Talks Jr. Motorsports’ Expansion into the Cup Series and Plans for Dirt Late Model Racing, Honoring His Father’s Legacy

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Talks Jr. Motorsports’ Expansion into the Cup Series and Plans for Dirt Late Model Racing, Honoring His Father’s Legacy

Dale Earnhardt Jr. has long been a driving force behind the growth and success of JR Motorsports (JRM) in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, but his recent ambitions have fans buzzing. After finally making the long-awaited move into the Daytona 500, Earnhardt Jr. has now hinted at even bigger plans for the future—potentially expanding JRM into dirt late model racing in honor of his legendary father, Dale Earnhardt Sr.

JRM’s Cup Series Expansion: A Major Step Forward

JR Motorsports has dominated the Xfinity Series for years, producing championship-winning teams and helping shape the careers of future NASCAR stars. However, the team’s participation in the 2024 Daytona 500 marked a historic milestone, signaling its serious intent to break into the Cup Series full-time.

“We’ve been working toward this for years,” Earnhardt Jr. said in a recent interview. “Running in the Daytona 500 was a huge moment for us, and it’s got us thinking about what’s next for JRM at the Cup level.”

Although a full-time Cup Series expansion isn’t officially confirmed, sources close to the organization say that JRM is actively exploring its options. Many believe the team’s entry at Daytona was just the beginning of a long-term plan to field a competitive Cup Series team, following in the footsteps of powerhouse organizations like Hendrick Motorsports, with whom JRM has maintained a strong technical alliance.

A Return to Dirt Racing? Dale Jr. Hints at Late Model Expansion

In addition to Cup ambitions, Earnhardt Jr. has expressed interest in taking JRM into dirt late model racing, a move that would pay homage to his father’s legendary career. Dale Earnhardt Sr. started as a dirt late model racer before becoming one of NASCAR’s greatest champions, and his influence on the sport remains undeniable.

“My dad was a dirt racer before he was anything else,” Earnhardt Jr. said. “That’s where he honed his skills, and it shaped the way he raced in NASCAR. I’ve been thinking a lot about how cool it would be to bring JRM into dirt racing and continue that legacy.”

While Earnhardt Jr. has long been a supporter of grassroots dirt racing—often attending major dirt events like the World 100 at Eldora Speedway—his team has yet to make a formal entry into the discipline. However, with NASCAR’s growing interest in dirt track racing, including past Truck Series events at Eldora and the short-lived Bristol Dirt Race, the timing could be perfect for JRM to branch out into late models.

Honoring Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s Legacy

For Earnhardt Jr., the decision to explore dirt racing is deeply personal. Dale Earnhardt Sr. made his name in the dirt ranks before becoming a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, and bringing JRM into the world of late model dirt racing would be a powerful tribute to his father’s roots.

“Everywhere I go, people still talk about Dad’s days in dirt racing,” Earnhardt Jr. said. “I think getting JRM involved would not only be great for us but for the sport as a whole.”

What’s Next for JRM?

While no official announcements have been made regarding either a full-time Cup Series entry or a dirt racing program, Earnhardt Jr. has made it clear that his team is looking at all possibilities.

“We’re in a great place right now,” he said. “We’ve got one of the best organizations in the Xfinity Series, we just ran the Daytona 500, and we’re looking at what’s next. Whether that’s Cup, dirt racing, or something else, we’re going to make sure we do it the right way.”

Fans will be eagerly watching as JR Motorsports continues to grow, with many hoping to see Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s team not only compete in the NASCAR Cup Series but also return to the dirt tracks that helped shape the Earnhardt legacy.

Final Thoughts

The prospect of JRM expanding into the Cup Series and dirt late model racing represents one of the most exciting developments in modern NASCAR. With Earnhardt Jr.’s deep respect for his father’s history and his passion for building a championship-caliber team, both moves seem like natural progressions for JR Motorsports.

If JRM does enter dirt racing, it won’t just be a business decision—it will be a tribute to one of the greatest racers of all time, Dale Earnhardt Sr.