Chris Stapleton, the talented 10-time Grammy Award winner, has taken an unexpected turn by announcing a partnership within NASCAR for 2025. This involves his own brand, Traveller Whiskey, teaming up with NASCAR driver Justin Allgaier and JR Motorsports.
The collaboration has given rise to a distinctive paint scheme that will feature prominently on a number 40 car competing in the iconic Daytona 500 race.
Stapleton has recently ventured into the whiskey business with the launch of Traveller Whiskey in January 2024. His passion for both racing and whiskey laid the foundation for this unique partnership.
Speaking about the collaboration during an appearance on the "Dale Jr. Download" podcast (below) with Dale Earnhardt Jr. Stapleton explained:
"I just love the history of racing and whiskey. That's kind of how it all started.
"When I thought about pie in the sky kind of things that I would want do to kind of advertise this product that we have that I'm real proud of, this was kind of like, 'What if we could do this?'
"I happen to know Rick Hendrick and he kind of hooked us up. We built it from there, and it seemed it was a very easy process to me. ...I was like, 'This is really happening? Okay, cool.'
"We set a couple of rounds designing this car together and here it is today and it's a real thing."
The vehicle, driven by Justin Allgaier, carries the No. 40 and will showcase a Traveller Whiskey paint scheme, coinciding with JR Motorsports' first entry into the Daytona 500 Cup Series.
Stapleton shared his pride in the partnership, stating in a press release at the time of the announcement:
"Traveller Whiskey joining JR Motorsports for their inaugural entry into the Cup Series at the DAYTONA 500 feels like a very natural partnership.
"I'm honored to be a part of this historic moment with Dale and Kelley, and excited to see Justin race the No. 40 Traveller Whiskey Chevrolet in Daytona."
The partnership holds particular significance because it marks JR Motorsports' debut in the Cup Series after its success in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
The team, co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his sister Kelley Earnhardt Miller, has previously amassed 88 wins and four Xfinity championships.
Justin Allgaier, the reigning NASCAR Xfinity Series champion, will be at the helm of the No. 40 Traveller Whiskey Chevrolet.
As a five-time NXS Most Popular Driver and an all-time leader in top-10 finishes, Allgaier brings strong experience to the Cup Series, having previously competed in the series in 2014 and 2015.
He also shared his excitement, saying:
"This is an incredible honor to be driving JR Motorsports' inaugural entry into the Cup Series, and to do it with not only Dale and Kelley, but Chris Stapleton and Traveller Whiskey makes this even more special.
"Entering into the DAYTONA 500 has been a goal of this company for a long time and I know that we are going to have everything we need to go out and contend for the win. This is going to be special for sure."
The entry into the Daytona 500 is especially momentous for JR Motorsports, which had previously been unable to compete in the Cup Series due to financial barriers.
However, with this collaboration, they have successfully overcome this hurdle. Dale Earnhardt Jr. commented on the timing, stating:
"We've been waiting for the right moment for JR Motorsports.
"With Justin winning the Xfinity Series championship and Chris Stapleton's undeniable star power, the planets aligned for this perfect opportunity to enter this year's Daytona 500."
With the Daytona 500 fast approaching, the qualifying events are scheduled to commence on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, leading up to the Duels on Thursday, February 13, and culminating in the race on Sunday, February 15.
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