Ensuring sustained excellence is underway at JR Motorsports after a dominant 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series. A team that tallied 7 wins in 149 races only a year ago is now flaunting a partnership with Roto-Rooter, while a new crew chief finds a home with Dale Jr. & co. The lineup, though, is still awaiting the right pieces.

The JRM has managed to fill three of its four full-time rides so far. It is only the No.88 that remains, awaiting an update ever since Connor Zilisch was moved to No.1. But of late, the ride has been seeing some guesswork coupled with speculative reports. Only a day ago, FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass wrote that the No.88 is expected to be a full-time entry, but it will be split between two or more drivers throughout the season. That’s when a word went around: 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 hinted at a possible shift. “We walked in with one of them this morning,” he said, referring to part-time drivers who will drive for JRM next year.

Although Allmendinger is set to return to full-time NASCAR Cup Series in 2026 with Kaulig Racing,  driving the No. 16 Chevrolet, the possibility of going part-time with JRM remains strong. Kaulig team president, Chris Rice, confirmed the Cup Series news, stating, “100 percent.” This move comes after a successful 2025 season.

In just 2 races of the 2025 Xfinity Series, 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.even commended both Allmendinger and teammate Ty Dillon for their resilience and performance in April. “Both cars have overachieved in my opinion. Just looking at the statistics, you can see a huge improvement. AJ’s been running great,” he opined.

If the rumors about both Allmendinger and the fourth full-time ride being split between drivers turn out to be true, Daniel Suarez and Rajah Caruth were rather popular choices among fans who could join him. Until then, the JRM has secured four drivers.

Veteran Justin Allgaier, the defending series champion who secured three victories, is returning for No. 7 Chevrolet, and so is Sammy Smith for his third season. On the other hand, Zilisch, who clinched 9 wins and the regular season championship with JRM, will be splitting No. 1 with Carson Kvapil, who drove it full-time in 2025.

If this transpires, JRM will be seeing only two full-time drivers for the first time since 2016.

Whatever may be the final call, though, Dale Jr. & co. bear the weight of carrying forward the momentum of 2025 that set a new benchmark with 16 wins across 121 races. They have even hired veteran Rodney Childers as crew chief of the No. 1, upping their game. Wheatear all the pieces fit, is a discussion to be had in a few weeks’ time.