JRM Will Make a Second DAYTONA 500 Attempt with Traveller Whiskey Chevrolet.
JR Motorsports and Chris Stapleton will return to the NASCAR Cup Series for the 2026 DAYTONA 500, following the team’s top-10 finish during its first appearance in the race. The entry, once again supported by Buffalo Trace Distillery, will feature the No. 40 Traveller Whiskey Chevrolet. The number represents Traveller Whiskey’s signature Blend No. 40. Justin Allgaier, the 2024 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Champion, will return to drive the car.
“Getting the opportunity to enter a second DAYTONA 500 is something that is extremely special to everyone at JR Motorsports,” said JRM CEO Kelley Earnhardt Miller. “Last year was an amazing moment and I’m very proud to be able to see this group come back together with the support of Chris Stapleton and Traveller Whiskey to go after it again in February.”
Traveller Whiskey Continues Momentum Following Award Recognition
Traveller Whiskey, blended and bottled at Buffalo Trace Distillery under Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley, returns as the primary sponsor. The whiskey has been recognized as the “Best of Class American Blended Whiskey” at the New York World Spirits Competition and the “Most Awarded Super Premium Whiskey of 2024.” The brand is bottled at 90 proof and distributed through Sazerac’s U.S. and global networks at a suggested retail price of $39.99.
Justin Allgaier Returns to Lead JRM’s Entry
Allgaier, the organization’s most decorated driver, will again pilot the No. 40 entry. The Illinois native is a six-time NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Most Popular Driver, the all-time series leader in top-10 finishes, and JRM’s all-time leader in wins. Allgaier finished ninth in JRM’s debut DAYTONA 500 entry last season.
“I’m honored to be able to have the chance to drive this Traveller Whiskey Chevrolet again for Dale, Kelley and all of JR Motorsports,” said Allgaier. “Last year was such an incredible opportunity and experience and I am really thankful that Chris Stapleton and Traveller wanted to come back and be a part of this again. We had the speed last year and I know that we will again to make it into the DAYTONA 500. It’s going to be an unbelievable time.”
JRM Continues Building on Championship Success
The DAYTONA 500 effort marks only the second NASCAR Cup Series entry for team owners Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kelley Earnhardt Miller. JR Motorsports has achieved 105 wins and four championships in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, with drivers including Chase Elliott, William Byron, Tyler Reddick, and most recently Justin Allgaier. The 2025 season alone delivered a record 17 wins for the organization.
Allgaier and the No. 40 Traveller Whiskey Chevrolet will attempt to qualify for the 2026 DAYTONA 500 beginning February 11, followed by the Duels on February 12 and the 68th running of the DAYTONA 500 on February 15.
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