JR Motorsports might see a serious driver lineup overhaul forward of the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Collection season. Solely two seasons in the past, the staff noticed three of their drivers attain the Championship 4. However this yr, solely considered one of their drivers sits within the prime 10 within the level standings.
Justin Allgaier has served because the veteran of the staff for a number of years, and he at present sits in second place within the level standings. With a playoff spot locked up because of his win at Darlington Raceway, he’s as soon as once more seeking to win his first Xfinity Collection championship this yr.
Sam Mayer has scored two wins, however his 5 DNFs have contributed to an inconsistent season, leaving him twelfth within the level standings. However the 21-year-old Franklin, Wisconsin native may have an opportunity to earn his first championship this yr as effectively.
Sammy Smith and Brandon Jones sit under the playoff lower line. Barring late common season wins, these two may not get the possibility to race for a championship this season. Smith acquired in final yr with Joe Gibbs Racing, whereas Jones is seeking to keep away from a second straight playoff-less marketing campaign with JR Motorsports.
It has already been confirmed that teen Connor Zilisch is about to take over behind the wheel of the No. 88 Chevrolet, which isn’t at present a full-time JR Motorsports entry, subsequent yr. Nonetheless, additional lineup adjustments is also in retailer.
Jones has been rumored to return to Joe Gibbs Racing’s Xfinity Collection staff subsequent season. He piloted the No. 19 Toyota for the staff from 2018 to 2022. He additionally scored all 5 of his collection wins with them. The 27-year-old switched to JR Motorsports to pilot the No. 9 Chevrolet for the 2023 season, however with no wins in additional than a yr and a half, a return to Joe Gibbs Racing and Toyota could also be greatest for all concerned.
Mayer can be anticipated to depart the staff, as he has been on the radar of numerous Cup Collection groups. Entrance Row Motorsports nonetheless want a driver for his or her just lately introduced third automobile, and Spire Motorsports additionally want a brand new driver to interchange the departing Corey LaJoie. If Mayer is set to maneuver up, he could get to select between the 2 rides.
Whereas Smith is anticipated to remain alongside Allgaier and Zilisch, a fourth driver is but to be decided, and assuming the staff do once more run 4 drivers full-time, they need to determine which of their 4 present automobile numbers might be axed, or moved to part-time, in favor of the No. 88 they’re set to make use of for Zilisch’s entry.
NASCAR: Austin Dillon not locked into the playoffs after Richmond win. darkish. Subsequent. NASCAR: Austin Dillon not locked into the playoffs after Richmond win
After the staff suffered considerably of a fall from grace, they’re able to proper the ship for 2025. Doing so would require extra adjustments to their driver lineup, creating new jobs for potential expertise and leading to present drivers parting methods.
