Junior Motorsports’ long-anticipated NASCAR Cup Series debut is in the books, and the verdict from Kevin Harvick? Pure passion and dedication.
Making their first-ever Cup start, JRM secured a P9 finish, a strong result that turned heads across the garage. But beyond the on-track performance, what stood out most was Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s hands-on approach, something Harvick couldn’t help but admire.
All In from Start to Finish
Harvick, a longtime competitor and analyst, saw Earnhardt Jr.’s commitment firsthand throughout the weekend. From the moment the garage opened to the final load-out, Dale Jr. was everywhere—checking setups, working with the team, and ensuring JRM’s Cup debut was more than just a one-off experiment.
“Dale Jr. is fully invested in everything he does,” Harvick said. “Watching him operate with JRM at this level, you could see the passion in every move. It wasn’t just about making a Cup start—it was about doing it the right way.”
Should JRM Go Full-Time in Cup?
With a top-10 finish in their first attempt, the obvious question arises: Is it time for Junior Motorsports to make the jump to the Cup Series full-time?
JRM has been a powerhouse in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, producing multiple championships and developing future Cup talent. While Earnhardt Jr. has expressed cautious optimism about expanding to Cup, this debut proves the team can compete at the sport’s highest level.
However, making the move full-time isn’t just about speed—it requires long-term sponsorship, manufacturer support, and the right personnel. JRM has all the ingredients, but will they take the next step?
What’s Next?
Earnhardt Jr. has yet to commit to a full-time Cup future, but this weekend proved that JRM belongs in the conversation. With Harvick’s praise and a strong first showing, the team has momentum on its side.
If JRM does move to Cup, one thing is certain—Dale Jr. will be leading the charge, just as he did this weekend.
Would you like to see Junior Motorsports go full-time in Cup? The debate is just getting started.
