Dale Earnhardt Jr. reacts to Justin Allgaier's Daytona 500 qualifying effort

After a productive practice session and a hot lap in qualifying, Dale Earnhardt Jr. will watch Justin Allgaier race his way into the Daytona 500. At least, that’s the only plan as of right now. The first NASCAR Cup Series race for JR Motorsports is not off to a great start.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. was at the track bright and early this morning. He wanted to watch his No. 40 JR Motorsports Traveller’s Whiskey Chevy be unloaded. Earnhardt wanted his first race as a Cup Series owner to include everything.

Unfortunately for Earnhardt, his car wasn’t fast enough to qualify on speed. This means Justin Allgaier will have to race his way into the Great American Race tomorrow night.

“Damn it woulda been nice to lock in tonight,” Earnhardt said on X/Twitter. “But we get to come back tomorrow and race our way into the Daytona 500 in a dual [sic]. Living the dream.”

Damn it woulda been nice to lock in tonight. But we get to come back tomorrow and race our way into the Daytona 500 in a dual. Living the dream.

— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) February 13, 2025

This is the first time that JR Motorsports and Dale Earnhardt Jr. have had a Cup Series entry. Doing it at the Daytona 500 is only fitting with Earnhardt having two wins to his name in the race.

Justin Allgaier is a solid driver to have behind the wheel. Being a first-time entry, having the qualifying speed just right was going to be a challenge. It isn’t surprising that this was the outcome.

The Duel races are tough to get through. Having the defending Xfinity Series champion driving your car doesn’t hurt, though.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. misses out, Truex and Johnson lock in

While Justin Allgaier and Dale Earnhardt Jr. won’t lock into the Daytona 500 tonight, two other drivers did. Fans will be excited to know that Martin Truex Jr. and Jimmie Johnson have secured spots into the Great American Race.

Truex Jr. locks Tricon Garage in. That No. 56 entry is a little extra special with the passing of Truex’s father a few weeks ago. As for Johnson, he showed that his Legacy Motor Club organization has improved and has the speed to compete.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. will join the rest of the open cars, seven in total, who didn’t qualify on speed in the Duel races. Well, his team will. Justin Allgaier is going to have to get his elbows up and be aggressive tomorrow night.

The Duel races are going to be epic. There is so much on the line for these drivers and teams. Making the field for Sunday means competing in the biggest race of the year. Who do you think qualifies after tomorrow night?