Dale Earnhardt Jr. team news sparks huge reaction | Sports News

Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s team, JR Motorsports, is pulling out all of the stops within the NASCAR Xfinity Series, saying a stacked driver lineup for the upcoming PitBoss/FoodMaxx 250 at Sonoma Raceway.

Following Shane van Gisbergen’s win for JR Motorsports at The Loop 110 in Chicago on Saturday – which contained loads of off-track drama between Joey Logano and Ross Chastain – the preliminary entry record for the upcoming race was introduced, with the NASCAR Hall of Famer sending 4 of this season’s winners all stepping up.

Looking to construct upon his exceptional weekend in Illinois, which noticed him win from pole in each the Xfinity and Cup Series, Van Gisbergen is set to return within the No. 9 Chevrolet, alongside Series chief Justin Allgaier within the No. 7, Sammy Smith within the No. 8, and Cup up and comer Connor Zilisch within the No. 88.

Initially, Dale Jr. was listed as Zilisch’s crew chief for the upcoming race, stirring huge pleasure amongst followers given the racing legend lately helped information the teenager to a win at Pocono in his first-ever race within the function. However, this was rapidly amended by NASCAR, with Mardy Lindley having lately returned from his one-race suspension.

This didn’t stop Dale Jr. and Zilisch from making mild of the error, with the previous sharing the inaccurate entry record on social media together with a GIF of actor Jason Sudeikis on Saturday Night Live dressed because the satan, captioned, “That’s me.” The 18-year-old swiftly replied with one other GIF, stating, “In your dreams.” 

Intriguingly, Dale Jr’s subsequent GIF teased, “I just might,” maybe suggesting his profession as a crew chief isn’t over simply but. 

JR Motorsports’ spectacular lineup for Saturday left followers excited for the probabilities at Sonoma, with one commenting, “SVG runaway win on Saturday.” Another replied to a post commemorating van Gisbergen’s Chicago win, the 97th in team historical past, with, “You’ll get 98th this weekend….” While a third merely famous, “Never really noticed just how heavy loaded Chevy is represented in the Xfinity series!”

Van Gisbergen’s win in Chicago was not solely the 97th in JR Motorsports’ historical past, however in taking the checkered flag, he turned the team’s sixth driver to win an Xfinity race this season – a new document within the Series’ historical past, as per NASCAR Insights.

Following the race, the Supercars Championship legend posted on social media, “Epic day! Lucky to drive a couple of rockets in both series. @JRMotorsports #9 was unreal had some really cool battles! Awesome to get a win for @WeatherTech in their home city too!”

After including a second Cup Series win of the season to his resume the following day, it appears van Gisbergen made essentially the most of the chance to have a good time, posting within the early hours of Monday morning, “I won’t be available in the morning please try me in the afternoon. Thanks.”

Van Gisbergen later revealed on NASCAR’s Day After podcast, “I don’t remember sending that tweet, so there you go. It was a great night. Most of the team guys came around to my place, and we just celebrated.” The New Zealander has now received 4 of the six races NASCAR has held on the streets of Chicago since 2023.