NASCAR Hall of Famer and Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick named JR Motorsports (JRM) as the flagship team of the NASCAR Xfinity Series, cementing its place as a cornerstone in the development of future Cup Series stars. Hendrick’s endorsement comes with decades of experience, making his praise all the more impactful.
A family business turned into a powerhouse
During his intervention on the Dirty Mo Media podcastHendrick reflected on his long-standing relationship with JR Motorsports, co-owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr. et Kelly Earnhardt Millerdescribing them as “family” and praising their unparalleled success.
“Look, you and Dale are family to me. I've known you since you were puppies. And to be honest, you did a much better job leading an Xfinity team than I did. Look at your success, your work ethic… You run the best Xfinity organization in racing,” Hendrick said.
This heartfelt recognition highlights not only JR Motorsports' competitive dominance, but also its significant role in cultivating the next generation of NASCAR talent.
The foundations of success
JR Motorsports owes much of its success to its roots at Hendrick Motorsports. The partnership began with the merger of Hendrick's No. 5 Xfinity car and JR Motorsports' No. 1 car, creating a formidable force in the second-tier series. Since then, JRM has become synonymous with excellence, producing some of NASCAR's brightest stars.
Kelly Earnhardt Miller highlighted Hendrick's crucial role in JRM's rise during the same podcast:
“I was pretty stunned that you gave us the opportunity to take your Hendrick Motorsports team at the time, the #5 car, and bring it here to Mooresville to merge with our #1 car team… We wouldn’t have been as good from the start if we didn’t have the foundation you provided.”
Why JR Motorsports stands out
The NASCAR Xfinity Series is a proving ground for Cup Series aspirants, featuring 26 highly competitive teams. With four drivers regularly battling for wins and championships, JRM has established itself as a dominant force in the series. The team's combination of talent spotting, race-winning strategy and consistent performance set it apart from its rivals.
Over the years, JRM has supported drivers who have made waves in the Cup Series, including Chase Elliott, William Byron et Tyler Reddick. Their ability to develop talent makes them a critical channel for Hendrick Motorsports and the broader NASCAR ecosystem.
A Shared Heritage and a Bright Future
The mutual respect between Rick Hendrick and the Earnhardt duo underscores the strength of their partnership and its profound impact on NASCAR. Hendrick’s recognition of JRM as the top Xfinity team isn’t just a compliment—it’s a testament to their shared commitment to excellence and development of the sport.
As JRM continues to dominate the Xfinity Series, fans and industry professionals look forward to the next wave of talent the team will propel into the top level of NASCAR. With Hendrick's continued support and the Earnhardts' leadership, the future of JR Motorsports—and its contributions to NASCAR—looks brighter than ever.
