Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his team JR Motorsports have been at the forefront of silly season changes this year. It’s fair to say the current driver lineup hasn’t delivered the best results in the Xfinity Series. Therefore, changes were inevitable in the team going into 2025, but it looks like JRM isn’t waiting until the end of this year to get their house in order.
Having announced the arrival of talented young driver Connor Zilisch in the No. 88 car in 2025, they have initiated their next move. This time around, it isn’t a new signing, but rather a departure. Brand Jones, the driver of the No. 9 JRM Chevy, won’t be continuing with the team next year. Jones will return to Joe Gibbs Racing in hopes of finding his winning touch.
The driver hasn’t been able to find his feet at JRM and in 56 starts has failed to register a single win. In 2024, apart from his runner-up finish at Charlotte and a few top-10 runs, he has struggled with his performances on the track. Currently, he is 132 points shy of the cutline with just three races left in the regular season.
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Polls of the day Poll 1 of 5 Do you think Joe Gibbs made the right move by stealing Dale Jr.’s driver? Absolutely No way Time will tell Not sure Do you think Denny Hamlin made the right call by letting Gene Haas earn millions off Chase Briscoe’s parting gift? Absolutely No way Not sure Could go either way Whats your Perspective on: Is Dale Jr. losing his grip on top talent with Carson Kvapil possibly heading to Joe Gibbs Racing? Have an interesting take? Join The Debate Do you think Denny Hamlin is hiding something crucial about NASCAR’s charter deal? Absolutely Maybe Not at all Who cares? Do you think NASCAR’s reliance on technology is ruining the sport? Yes, it’s too complicated now No, it enhances the experience I’m on the fence
Dale Jr. is planning to quit Xfinity Series races, and Jones’ departure would suggest that JRM is looking to add a new driver to their line-up. Bob Pockrass shared an update regarding the situation at the team via X. “Brandon Jones to race an Xfinity car for JGR next season as he moves from JRM to Gibbs.” This certainly opened the stage for fans to speculate and predict the new driver. And Carson Kvapil was the popular pick, to say the least.
Fans want Carson Kvapil to be promoted as a full-time JRM driver in 2025
The Mooresville native is a known figure in the late-model stock car racing scene. Impressed by his showing in the CARS Tour, Kvapil secured a part-time run with JRM in 2024. Truth be told, he has delivered the goods, albeit in a cameo role. Now that Jones is taking the exit route, fans believe he is the right fit to lead the #9 team: “get ready to learn JRM Carson Kvapil.”
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It’s tough to predict if Carson Kvapil will be the direct replacement driver for the #9 team. Predicting the new changes to the JRM driver lineup for 2025, this fan added, “@Carson_Kvapil full time next season? Hope Sammy moves to the 1 and Carson gets the 8 if so.”
Not just the fans; even Bob Pockrass confirmed that JRM is interested in signing Kvapil on a full-time basis. This was his response when one of the fans pitched the possibility of Rajah Caruth to JRM in 2025. “Things still fluid but would expect another full year of trucks for Caruth. JRM working to find funding for Carson Kvapil.”
There were a few who were happy to see Jones secure a move back to JGR. All five of his Xfinity Series wins came when he piloted the No. 19 Toyota from 2018 to 2022. Therefore, a reunion might allow him to regain his confidence and speed in 2025. “Good. Now he can start winning again.”
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Carson Kvapil was the popular choice, but there were a few other notable mentions touted to take this role at JRM. Interestingly, a few of them felt that Ryan Truex deserves a full-time ride, winning two races already this season in the Xfinity Series. Only Shane van Gisbergen has more victories than him. “need ryan truex full time in xfinity.”
Given how Junior Motorsports is shaping up its roster for 2025, an addition of Carson Kvapil as a full-timer looks more and more likely.