JR Motorsports (JRM), the NASCAR Xfinity Series team co-owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr., currently fields three full-time cars. The primary car numbers are the No. 1, the No. 7, and the No. 9. Additionally, the team often runs a part-time entry, historically using the No. 5 and the No. 88 for special events or developing drivers. These numbers have become iconic within the team's successful history, which includes multiple driver championships.
The team's number usage is strategic. The No. 1 is often associated with a championship contender, a status earned by drivers like Sam Mayer. The No. 7 is a number with deep roots in the Earnhardt family, famously used by Dale's grandfather, Ralph Earnhardt. The No. 9 has been a staple for the team, carrying drivers like Noah Gragson to championship contention. The part-time No. 5 and No. 88 (the latter famously used by Dale Jr. himself in the Cup Series) are reserved for drivers like Dale Jr. in one-off races or for promising talents in a limited schedule.
Here’s a look at some of the key car numbers and their recent primary drivers:
| Car Number | Recent Primary Driver(s) | Notable Achievements / Context |
|---|
| No. 1 | Sam Mayer | 2023 Xfinity Series Champion |
| No. 7 | Justin Allgaier | Multiple-time championship contender, veteran leader |
| No. 9 | Noah Gragson, Brandon Jones | 2022 Regular Season Champion (Gragson) |
| No. 5 | Josh Berry, Dale Earnhardt Jr. (part-time) | Part-time entry for veterans and development drivers |
| No. 88 | Dale Earnhardt Jr., Josh Berry (historical) | Historically the team's flagship number, now used selectively |
The selection of car numbers in NASCAR is more than just identification; it's about legacy and marketing. JRM leverages the history of numbers like the 7 and 88 to connect with fans, while using the 1 to signify a top-tier program. This numbering strategy is a key part of their brand identity in the sport.
