So, if you follow NASCAR Twitter, you have recently seen some changes at the top of the Jr. motorsports business ranks. Dale’s sister Kelly Earnhardt Miller was most noticeable, promoted to CEO of all of Dale Jr.’s businesses, which no one questions. Kelly has been one of the integral parts of the success her brother and the companies have had collectively. Now one would think though with the changes among the top exects in the company a big change is coming soon. Or at least a big change is wanted. Honestly, that change needs to be Jr. Motorsports moving up to the cup series.
It Would Be Good for Everyone
NASCAR is on the rise again the ratings have been up mostly thus far into the next-gen era. Everyone is still kind of on a level playing field this early still with the new car, and some changes are sure to happen during the off-season due to criticism from stars within the sport. You can expect the playing field to stay at least somewhat even amongst new and veteran teams alike. The sooner the better would be better for the development of their program so they can learn and grow with the next-gen car just like every other team is doing right now. Especially with some names like Allgaier and Berry already in their driver system. Two guys who know how to take care of a race car and make it better while also not tearing the car apart.
As for the benefit NASCAR would get, well it’s kind of simple. Think about it, alright Dale Earnhardt Jr. is a big name publicly and always has been, when he says something people within the motorsports community listen. Is he his dad? No, but he doesn’t need to be the intimidator to be beneficial for a sport we all love, right? He would be added to owner names that already have the likes of Michael Jordan, and Pitbull. So, when NASCAR goes to the negotiation table for the new TV deal they can take those guys with them. That’s a move that benefits everyone including the fans by providing input known by someone such as Jr. himself.
If Not Now, When and How?
The TV agreement with NASCAR is going to be up for renegotiation at the end of 2024. So, one would think the sooner the better right? One thing for certain. The jump is wanted by Dale himself. Now though recently newly appointed CEO Kelly was quoted saying on a radio interview.
No, gosh, I wish. It’s just not coming together. I really wanted to. You’re trying to make sense out of the charter investment and then sponsorship. Because we weren’t in a position to pull it all together by mid-year, we then started working on our Xfinity stuff and we got that in good shape for 2023. I feel like now my deadline is the middle of next year, right.
Kelly Earnhardt Miller when asked about JRM jump to Cup.
Could part time be an option for 2023 and then a jump to full time come 2024? Maybe, I mean they could run a part time schedule with someone like Allgaier or Berry even. To get there feet wet with the next gen car. Then if maybe NASCAR enforced some of the charter rules, or if a charter comes available at the right price. Either of those are solid ways Jr. motorsports could make the eventual jump to cup series in 2024.
Let’s Wrap this Up
Listen, while we need to progress with the sport, and I feel like they have done so this year why stop now? Keep improving but don’t forget what made you great as well as a sport. A team like Jr. Motorsports and a voice like Dale Earnhardt Jr. having a say in the cup series would easily make this series better. He is as much a fan of the sport as he is a business man. The fan side is something we as fellow fans only benefit from with a guy like Jr. owning a cup series team.
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