In the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series, JR Motorsports has redefined excellence, setting a new benchmark with 16 wins across 121 races, a significant leap from their 2024 tally of 7 wins in 149 races. The team’s dominance is underscored by an average finish of 12.3 and 2169 laps led, reflecting their strategic prowess and consistent performance. Veteran Justin Allgaier, the defending series champion, secured 3 victories, while Connor Zilisch emerged as a sensation, clinching 9 wins and the regular season championship.
But as JR Motorsports celebrates this unprecedented success, internal shifts are underway to ensure sustained excellence. The organization announced a partnership with Roto-Rooter, marking a significant sponsorship deal for the 2025 season. Additionally, the team is focusing on refining their technical operations and driver development programs to maintain their competitive edge. And among these changes, a rumor emerges that has fans wondering what’s next for JRM
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The NASCAR rumor that could change JRM’s Xfinity future
AJ Allmendinger is rumored to join JR Motorsports for a part-time schedule in the Xfinity Series. Although the sources remain scarce, a recent quip by spotter Freddie Kraft in the Door Bumper Clear podcast, saying, “We walked in with one of them this morning,” referring to part-time drivers who will drive for JRM next year, hints at a possible shift.
Although Allmendinger is set to return to full-time NASCAR Cup Series competition in 2026 with Kaulig Racing, the possibility of going part-time with JRM remains strong. Kaulig team president, Chris Rice, confirmed the Cup Series news, stating, “100 percent,” Allmendinger will remain as the driver of Kaulig’s No. 16 Cup entry. This move comes after a successful 2025 season where Allmendinger contributed to Kaulig Racing’s growth and performance.
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In just 2 races of the 2025 Xfinity Series, running full-time for Kaulig Racing, Allmendinger secured a victory and added 2 top-5 finishes, leading a total of 43 laps. His average finishing position stood at an impressive 1.5, underscoring his dominance on these specialized tracks. He clinched his first win of the season at the Charlotte ROVAL, a track where he has consistently excelled, boasting an average finish of 1.5 over his last two races there.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. commended both Allmendinger and teammate Ty Dillon for their resilience and performance, stating, “Fast-forward to right now, they bring AJ back to the Cup car, they hire Ty Dillon, which I didn’t know how that was going to work out because Ty’s kinda been MIA for a while and just piecing things together and struggling. But both cars have overachieved in my opinion. Just looking at the statistics, you can see a huge improvement. AJ’s been running great.”
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Looking back at the 2024 season, Allmendinger continued to be a consistent contender for Kaulig Racing. He participated in 33 races, securing 1 win, 7 top-5 finishes, and 18 top-10 finishes. His performance was marked by an average starting position of 8.1 and an average finishing position of 13.4. Throughout the season, he led a total of 258 laps, demonstrating his ability to compete at the front of the field.
Allmendinger himself has shared his passion for racing, stating, “I just love the punishment man. I just really do. I’ve been very fortunate. We’re in the final four we have a chance to win a championship. It might change a lot of people’s lives in Kaulig Racing.” Despite his efforts, he did not capture the championship, but his consistent performances solidified his reputation as a road course specialist.
In the 2023 season, Allmendinger’s schedule was more limited, with participation in 5 races. During this period, he achieved 2 wins and 4 top-5 finishes, highlighting his efficiency and competitiveness even with fewer opportunities. His average starting position was 3.2, and he maintained an average finishing of 3.8, leading 81 laps in total.
With each season becoming a proving ground for Allmendinger, the rumor might just turn out to be true and refreshing for fans.
Rodney Childers’ perfect fit at JR Motorsports
This summer has been a whirlwind for Rodney Childers, who parted ways with Spire Motorsports and Justin Haley just 9 races into the 2025 Cup Series season. Returning to his roots, Childers took charge in the CARS Tour with Kevin Harvick and young standout Landen Lewis. The duo dominated, claiming 4 victories and leading the championship, while Childers also cherished more time with his wife, Katrina, and sons, Brody and Gavin.
“For me, the last couple of months, I just started to look at things differently,” Childers said. “I always felt like I needed to prove something and needed to win more Cup championships or the Daytona 500 but then I realized there is more to life than that.” Childers’ shift in perspective opened the door to a new chapter at JR Motorsports, where he will serve as crew chief of the No. 1 Xfinity Series car, working with young talents Carson Kvapil and Connor Zilisch.
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“I opened myself up to talking to some Truck Series teams about some opportunities and that caught Dale by surprise. He asked me, ‘Do you really not have anything lined up, yet?’ and I told him where I was at, and then he told me about Connor and Carson and it was just a dream scenario,” he reminisced. For Childers, this role blends family, mentorship, and competition perfectly.
“This is basically the old car that we had a lot of success with, Sundays at church with Katrina and the boys, racing with two really exceptional young drivers and I couldn’t say ‘yes’ fast enough.” He added, “When I raced with Kevin, if we didn’t win, it was my fault. This car is my responsibility. That means getting the most out of it, finding the right people, and making it go fast. It needs to win.” At 49, Childers sees this as the ideal opportunity to shape the next generation of racing stars while continuing to build his legacy.