The current season has been quite a rollercoaster for Tony Stewart. Kevin Harvick’s impending departure next year, along with the looming exit of Aric Almirola, has set the stage for significant changes. Tony Stewart found a replacement for their legendary #4 car in Josh Berry, but he’s still on the hunt for a new driver for his second car.
Tony emphasized the pursuit of genuine talent, regardless of sponsorships or connections. He had a specific driver in mind who he believed would be an ideal addition to his team. Unfortunately, Tony’s hopes were dashed when that very driver recently inked a deal with Trackhouse Racing. Amidst this, NASCAR fans have long anticipated Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s entry into the Cup Series with his JR Motorsports team. But why hasn’t Dale Jr. ventured into Cup ownership despite his successful Xfinity team? An outspoken insider sheds light on the deal and unveils the reasons behind Dale Jr.’s absence from the Cup Series.
An outspoken insider reveals the reasons behind Dale Jr.’s absence from the Cup Series
NASCAR implemented the charter system, requiring teams to possess one to run a full-time Cup car. These charters are tradable commodities, but if an owner finishes in the last three positions for three consecutive seasons, NASCAR can revoke them.
Live Fast Motorsports recently sold its charter to Spire Motorsports for a substantial $40 million. This paved the way for Truck Series driver Zane Smith, who signed with Trackhouse Racing. As Justin Marks’ team didn’t have an available seat for Zane, they decided to provide one through their alliance with Spire Motorsports.
Spire buys Live Fast’s charter for $40 million. https://t.co/3YgSQoHPyv
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) September 16, 2023
During the Kenny Wallace show, while discussing a new charter, Kenny revealed the reasons behind Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s absence from Cup series ownership.
Kenny said, “Zane Smith, I always thought he’s a good-looking guy, he’s got great talent, he runs really good, he just signed Trackhouse to run in the Cup Series next year. And because of this we learned that these franchises remember you know everybody’s locked in the race now we qualify just to line you but everybody’s in the race now. 40 million Dollars, that’s why Dale Jr said he’s not gonna own a Cup team right now.”
“If you wanna buy a franchise and to be locked in every Cup race it’s, you can buy another man’s franchise. This newest one just reported as 40 million dollars. But you spend the 40 million, you lucked in every race and now you can sell sponsorship because you’re gonna be in every race,” Kenny concluded.
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Dale Earnhardt Jr. tantalizing prospects of his entry into the Cup Series
Dale Jr. disclosed that his considerations extend beyond merely entering the Cup Series. He emphasized his family’s well-being, particularly his children’s future, and the importance of making wise personal and financial decisions to ensure long-term security. Taking significant financial risks is, in his view, a cautious choice.
During the conversation, Dale Earnhardt Jr. said, “There is zero movement on our end. You know me and my sister, Kelley. and everybody at JR Motorsports is always looking forward to an opportunity to get into the the Cup Series. We are interested in that, but it has to make sense.“
"We're interested in that, but it has to make sense." – @DaleJr
While he, @EarnhardtKelley & @JRMotorsports want to go Cup racing, Jr. says there has been "zero movement" in acquiring a charter for '24.
More from his #TMDNASCAR visit on the SXM App → https://t.co/qesEcbI9Hq pic.twitter.com/mH2tmpu2x0
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) July 12, 2023
Dale acknowledged the presence of opportunities, but none have aligned perfectly with their vision. Another crucial aspect for both himself and JR Motorsports is the desire to retain the management of the team. What do you think? Will we see Dale Jr.’s team in the Cup Series in the near future?
READ MORE: “I Don’t Think You Give a Damn” – Dale Earnhardt Jr. Defensive as Closest Ally Publicly Exposes Him
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