Dale Earnhardt Jr.: Chris Stapleton ‘has not left the pit box’ during JR Motorsports Daytona 500 debut

Dale Earnhardt Jr. loved watching Chris Stapleton see all the action at the Daytona 500. The two-time Daytona 500 winner went to X/Twitter to share how much he’s enjoyed working with Stapleton for the “The Great American Race.”

“The man [Chris Stapleton] has not left the pit box today when the race has been green,” Earnhardt wrote. “He’s totally into this deal. It’s been fun. He was very involved from day one. Design of car and all.”

The reason Chris Stapleton was with Dale Earnhardt Jr. at the Daytona 500 was they two teamed up to help Justin Allgaier get a spot in the race. Last month, JR Motorsports announced Allgaier would attempt to race in the Daytona 500. Allgaier drove the No. 40 Chevrolet, and Stapleton’s whiskey label, Traveller Whiskey, sponsored the car.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. talks working with Chris Stapleton

“This was a long process, one that I watched from my perspective not being in the office every single day from nine to five seeing all of the details, the back-and-forth, the conversation with Traveller,” Earnhardt said on the Dale Jr. Download podcast. “But Chris is very involved. He’s been very involved with design of the paint scheme, the branding and all the things you would hope in terms of a partner in engagement and curiosity. He’s checking all boxes. So, that’s been really one of the nice things about this.”

Earnhardt also explained why they chose Allgaier to drive the car at Daytona. “We are going to have Justin Allgaier drive the car. And I think when we sat down and really thought about it, one of the things that I appreciate about Justin is not only is he fast and not only has he helped us have a lot of success here at JR Motorsports, but his professionalism off the racetrack with our partners,” he said. “He does a great job with his crew, engaging with his team, keeps a pretty solid attitude outside the car and inside the car. So, if you’re going to go to the Daytona 500… you want a driver obviously that can go out and do a good job and he’s very capable.”

Chris Stapleton is one of the top country music stars in the world as he’s won 11 Grammy Awards. Earlier this month, Stapleton earned his 11th Grammy as his song “It Takes a Woman” won Best Country Solo Performance.