Jeffrey Earnhardt refuses to let a chaotic DNF derail his 2025 season. Days after a multi-car wreck at Talladega ended his day in 32nd place, Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s nephew secured two additional Xfinity Series starts with Sam Hunt Racing.
The 35-year-old will drive the No. 24 ForeverLawn Toyota at Nashville Superspeedway (May 31) and Bristol Motor Speedway (Sept. 12), signaling resilience amid a part-time schedule. The move follows a tumultuous Talladega weekend that also sidelined Katherine Legge and Aric Almirola.
Jeffrey Earnhardt Eyes Redemption After Talladega Wreck
Jeffrey’s Talladega disaster unfolded with 13 laps remaining when Almirola’s miscommunication with his spotter triggered a chain reaction. Contact between Almirola and Legge collected Jeffrey’s No. 24 Toyota, leaving all three with DNFs. For Jeffrey, it marked a bitter start to his limited 2025 campaign after an eighth-place Atlanta run last season.
“I’m very excited to have ForeverLawn back as a partner this year,” Jeffrey said in a statement via Catchfence. His resolve mirrors his team’s confidence despite the setback.
“They are family to me, and I know Sam and everyone on the team feel the same way. They continue to grow the company and launch incredible products in the synthetic turf world. After last season’s races with the Sam Hunt team and the speed they showed, it only made sense to run it back.”
Talladega’s outcome contrasted sharply with Jeffrey’s Xfinity career stats, with two top-five and six top-10 finishes in 175 starts. Sam Hunt Racing’s social media hinted at unfinished business, posting, “Ready to mow down the competition 💯.
“@JEarnhardt1 will make his next starts in the No. 24 ForeverLawn GR Supra at @nashvillesuperspeedway and @itsbristolbaby.”
Jeffrey Earnhardt Banks on Nashville, Bristol To Revive 2025 Campaign
The Nashville and Bristol additions double down on Jeffrey’s partnership with ForeverLawn, extending a collaboration dating from 2020. Sponsors like MD Body, PlayPros, and the Ark Encounter will adorn his Toyota, blending commercial stability with competitive ambition.
Earnhardt’s optimism stems from Sam Hunt Racing’s 2024 speed, which he believes can translate to results.
“I can’t express how thankful I am to be able to drive their cars,” he said in February. “I’m grateful for the support Toyota has given SHR (Sam Hunt Racing) to grow as a team and for me to continue developing as a driver.”
Bristol’s high-banked bullring and Nashville’s concrete surface offer contrasting challenges. Earnhardt has 11 prior Xfinity starts at Bristol, with a best finish of 12th in 2014 and 2022. However, one top-10 finish out of two Xfinity starts at Nashville in 2022 helps keep his hopes up.
Meanwhile, the Xfinity Series’ tight playoff picture amplifies the stakes. While Earnhardt isn’t chasing points, strong runs could attract full-time suitors.
“Jeffrey is the ultimate teammate and takes a lot of pride in the development of SHR, which means a ton to me. We also know what he can deliver in our GR Supras, and will give him all the tools we can to be successful on the track,” said owner Hunt.