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JR Motorsports Confirms 2026 Daytona 500 Bid With Justin Allgaier, Traveller Whiskey

The unchartered No. 40 must race its way into the field through qualifying or a Duel.

Overview

  • JR Motorsports announced via social media that Justin Allgaier will drive the No. 40 Chevrolet in an attempt to make the Feb. 15, 2026 Daytona 500.
  • Traveller Whiskey, the brand linked to musician Chris Stapleton, returns as primary sponsor for the single-car Daytona effort.
  • Allgaier and JRM must secure a spot as an open entry through single-car time trials or by being a top open finisher in the Duel races.
  • The team’s one-off approach follows its successful 2025 debut, when Allgaier qualified through the Duel and finished ninth in the 500.
  • Multiple outlets noted that internal emails and a merchandise link surfaced before the official reveal, suggesting the plan leaked ahead of the announcement.