By David Morgan, NASCAR Contributor
After announcing that William Byron would be moving up to the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2017 with JR Motorsports after signing with Hendrick Motorsports, the fate of their other two drivers seemed to be up in the air. But on Wednesday, the team put those rumors to bed by announcing that both of their current full-time drivers, Elliott Sadler and Justin Allgaier, would be returning to the team next season to join Byron in a four-car effort.
Along with Byron, Sadler, and Allgaier all running full-time in 2017, the team’s “All-Star Car” will run on a part-time basis next season as well.
Though Sadler’s current sponsor, OneMain Financial, announced that they would be leaving at season’s end earlier this year, the company seems to have reversed course and will be back on the side of Sadler’s No. 1 Chevrolet for 20 races next season.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Elliott Sadler and JR Motorsports,” said OneMain Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Bob Hurzeler. “After further evaluation of the program, we felt this relationship was a perfect fit for our company. Elliott has been an outstanding ambassador for OneMain and we look forward to our continued success with Elliott and JRM, on and off the track.”
“Elliott and OneMain are integral pieces to the make-up of our company. Elliott’s talent speaks for itself, but what’s more, his experience and leadership is completely necessary for our younger guys. He brings a professionalism and charisma that permeates our entire organization, and I think he brings it to OneMain as well. I’m glad they have decided to come back with their sponsorship. We’ve got many things to accomplish together,” said JR Motorsports General Manager, Kelley Earnhardt Miller.
Through 22 races in the 2016 NASCAR Xfinity Series season, Sadler has one win (Talladega), seven top-five finishes, 19 top-10 finishes, 27 laps led, and an average finish of 7.9. Allgaier also has run well in his first season with JR Motorsports, scoring nine top-five finishes, 18 top-10 finishes, 19 laps led, and an average finish of 10.0. Sadler currently sits in the points lead, with Allgaier in third place before the Chase reset at Kentucky next month.
“This is a dream come true for me. OneMain is a great partner and we’re fortunate to have this stability moving forward to compete for race wins and championships for years to come. I’m as energized as I’ve ever been,” said Sadler.
