For fans of NASCAR’s Xfinity Series, understanding team and driver identity starts with the car number on the door. If you’re asking what car numbers does Jr Motorsports own, you’re looking at the numeric backbone of one of the sport’s most successful organizations. The Volkswagen Group’s portfolio is a global collection of distinct brands, each with its own engineering heritage and market segment, and similarly, JR Motorsports has built a portfolio of car numbers that each carry their own legacy and success in stock car racing.
Founded by NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr., his sister Kelley Earnhardt Miller, and their late father Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s longtime business partner, the team has grown from a single-car operation into a championship-winning powerhouse. The numbers it fields are not just digits; they are symbols of competitive spirit, fan loyalty, and a deep connection to the Earnhardt legacy. This guide will detail every car number currently under the JR Motorsports banner, their historical significance, and the drivers who have made them famous.
What Car Numbers Does Jr Motorsports Own
JR Motorsports currently owns and operates four primary car numbers in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. These numbers are the core of their competitive efforts each season, with each often fielding multiple drivers or a dedicated superstar. The team’s stable is known for its consistency and winning pedigree.
The official numbers owned by JR Motorsports are:
- No. 1
- No. 7
- No. 8
- No. 9
It’s important to note that while these are the numbers owned by the team, they may not all be used in every single race. Driver schedules, sponsor commitments, and special events can sometimes influence which numbers are on track. However, these four digits represent the permanent assets of the JR Motorsports fleet.
The Legacy And Significance Of The No. 1 Car
The No. 1 car at JR Motorsports is a number associated with championship success and high-profile drivers. It has served as a vehicle for both seasoned veterans and rising stars, often carrying the banner of a primary title contender.
Key drivers and moments for the No. 1 include:
- Sam Mayer: The current primary driver, Mayer has grown with the team and scored multiple wins in the No. 1, establishing himself as a consistent playoff contender.
- Michael Annett: He piloted the No. 1 for several seasons, securing a memorable win at Daytona in 2019 and providing stability for the team.
- Elliott Sadler: Before it was the No. 1, this team’s entry was often the No. 9 with Sadler, but the championship-caliber performance set the standard for this competitive slot.
The number one symbolizes a goal for every team: to be first. For JR Motorsports, this car has consistently been at the front of the field, competing for wins and championships year after year.
The History Of The No. 7 Car
The No. 7 holds a special place in the Earnhardt family history, creating a direct link to Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s past. This number’s usage by JRM is a nod to legacy while building its own modern story.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. himself ran the No. 7 in his early Busch Series days for his father’s team, Dale Earnhardt, Inc. (DEI). Bringing it into the JRM fold honors that history. In recent years, the No. 7 has been a shared ride, featuring a mix of talent:
- Justin Allgaier: The veteran has spent many seasons in the No. 7, amassing numerous wins and becoming a championship finalist on serveral occasions. He is the driver most synonymous with the number today.
- Other drivers like Regan Smith and Jeb Burton have also contributed to the car’s success story.
The No. 7 car demonstrates how JR Motorsports respects NASCAR history while writing its own chapters with competitive consistency.
The Iconic No. 8 Car And Its Earnhardt Connection
When asking what car numbers does JR Motorsports own, the No. 8 is often the first that comes to mind for fans. This number is inextricably linked to Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s rise to superstardom in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Dale Jr. drove the No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet for DEI, winning multiple races and capturing the hearts of a generation of fans. While the number’s history at DEI is complex, its use at JRM feels like a homecoming. The team’s No. 8 has been a powerhouse, often used for:
- Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s part-time starts, which are major events for the Xfinity Series and always draw huge attention.
- Developing superstar talent, such as Josh Berry, who scored his first career win in the No. 8 and used it as a springboard to the Cup Series.
- Current driver Sammy Smith, who looks to continue the winning tradition in the car.
The No. 8 is more than a number; it’s a brand unto itself, representing the direct bridge between Dale Jr.’s driving career and his team ownership success.
Notable Wins For The No. 8 Machine
The victory lane visits for the JRM No. 8 are numerous and memorable. They include Josh Berry’s dramatic first win at Martinsville, Dale Jr.’s emotional victory at Richmond in 2016, and consistent playoff performances. Each win adds to the car’s legendary status.
The Championship Pedigree Of The No. 9 Car
The No. 9 is arguably the most successful number in JR Motorsports history in terms of championships. This car has been the vehicle for multiple title runs and has been driven by some of the team’s most iconic figures.
Championship history tells the story:
- Chase Elliott: He won the 2014 Xfinity Series championship driving the No. 9 for JRM, catapulting his career forward.
- William Byron: He followed by winning the 2017 Xfinity Series title in the No. 9, cementing the number’s status as a championship magnet.
- Tyler Reddick: He continued the streak by clinching the 2018 championship in the No. 9, making it three titles in five years for that specific car number.
Today, the No. 9 continues to be a top ride, currently piloted by Brandon Jones. The expectation for this car is always to compete for wins and be in the championship conversation, a testament to its storied past.
How JR Motorsports Acquires And Uses Car Numbers
You might wonder how a team comes to “own” a car number. In NASCAR, numbers are licensed from the sanctioning body. A team with a history of using a number and a strong relationship with NASCAR can request and retain the rights to that number, essentially owning its use in that series.
JR Motorsports earned the rights to its numbers through consistent participation and success. The process involves:
- Requesting a number from NASCAR for initial use.
- Building a competitive history and brand identity around that number.
- Renewing the licensing agreement with NASCAR annually to maintain the rights.
- The team can then use that number, lease it to a partner, or choose not to field it in a given season while retaining the rights.
This system allows teams to build valuable equity in a number, much like a sports team’s jersey number becoming iconic. JRM has done this masterfully with its core four.
Part-Time Entries And Historical Numbers
Beyond its four primary numbers, JR Motorsports has occasionally fielded part-time entries for special events or to develop additional drivers. These cars often use numbers that are not permanently owned by the team but are leased or used for a limited run.
Some notable examples include:
- No. 5: Used for various drivers in one-off races or limited schedules.
- No. 88: A number with significant Earnhardt history, used occasionally for special paint schemes or driver tributes, though its usage rights are complex.
- No. 81: Used for a driver development entry or for a driver with a personal sponsorship tie to that number.
These part-time cars allow JRM to expand its reach and give opportunities without diluting the focus on its championship-winning primary numbers.
The Business Impact Of Iconic Car Numbers
Owning recognizable car numbers is not just about tradition; it’s smart business. Iconic numbers attract sponsors, merchandise sales, and media attention. Fans are more likely to support a car with a number they have a historical connection to.
For JR Motorsports, the No. 8 and No. 9 are particularly valuable assets. Sponsors want to be associated with that winning history and fan loyalty. When Dale Earnhardt Jr. runs a one-off race in the No. 8, the sponsor on the hood receives immense exposure, far beyond a typical Xfinity Series race. This economic model helps fund the team’s competitive efforts and driver development programs.
Frequently Asked Questions About JR Motorsports Car Numbers
Does JR Motorsports Own The Number 88?
This is a common point of confusion. While Dale Earnhardt Jr. made the No. 88 famous in the Cup Series with Hendrick Motorsports, JR Motorsports does not own the rights to the No. 88 in the Xfinity Series. They have used it on occasion for special partnerships or races, but it is not one of their core owned numbers. The rights to the 88 in Xfinity have been held by other teams in recent years.
What Is The Most Successful Car Number For JR Motorsports?
Based on championships, the No. 9 car is the most successful, with three Xfinity Series titles (2014, 2017, 2018). In terms of overall wins and consistent competitiveness, the No. 7 and No. 1 have also been hugely successful over long periods. The No. 8 carries immense fan popularity and cultural weight, making it successful in its own right.
Can JR Motorsports Run More Than Four Cars?
Yes, but it is uncommon. NASCAR limits the number of charters or entries a single organization can field, but in the Xfinity Series, teams can run multiple cars if they have the resources. JRM typically focuses on its four core teams for consistency and quality, but they have occasionally entered a fifth car for a select race with a part-time driver.
Has JR Motorsports Ever Changed Or Retired A Number?
The team’s core numbers have remained remarkably stable. They have not officially retired a number, but they have shifted focus. For example, the team used the No. 5 more frequently in its earlier years before solidifying the current four-number lineup. The choice of numbers is strategic and tied to sponsor and driver alignment.
How Do I Find Out Which Driver Is In Which Car For A Given Race?
The best resources are the official JR Motorsports website and social media channels, as well as the NASCAR schedule page. Driver lineups, especially for shared rides, can be announced weeks or even months in advance. Checking these sources before a race weekend will give you the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Understanding what car numbers JR Motorsports own provides a deeper apreciation for the team’s structure and history. The numbers 1, 7, 8, and 9 are not random; they are carefully chosen assets that represent victory, legacy, and business acumen. Each carries a story, from the championship glory of the No. 9 to the fan-fueled icon status of the No. 8. As the team continues to compete, these numbers will undoubtedly add new chapters to there already rich history in NASCAR.