MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Aug. 24, 2022) – Effective today, JR Motorsports and its director of competition, Ryan Pemberton, announced the decision to amicably part ways.
Pemberton has been with JRM since 2012, overseeing car research and development and managing competition and personnel for JRM’s four NASCAR Xfinity Series teams. Under his guidance the team has won three NXS championships (2014, 2017 and 2018) and 58 races, bringing the organization’s tally to 67 victories to date.
“Ryan has been essential to JRM’s success over the past decade,” said L.W. Miller, JRM’s director of motorsports. “We asked a lot of him when he came here in 2012, and he not only embraced the challenge, but he helped us right the ship. In the process, he laid the groundwork for a winning culture. Ryan’s given this organization a tremendous amount and I can’t thank him enough.”
In the 2014 season, Pemberton took on the additional responsibility of crew chief for JRM’s No. 7 team. He led then-driver Regan Smith to a season-opening win at Daytona International Speedway en route to a runner-up finish in the championship point standings.
“There are so many talented people at JR Motorsports and I’m fortunate to have been part of it,” said Pemberton. “We won a lot of races and a few championships, but more importantly we had fun doing it. I’m grateful to Dale, Kelley and L.W. for everything and so very proud of what we were able to accomplish together. I’m looking forward to spending some much-needed time with my family while I decide what the next chapter holds.”
In addition to his role as director of motorsports, Miller will serve as interim director of competition for the remainder of 2022.
ABOUT JR MOTORSPORTS:
JR Motorsports is the racing operation co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Fame member and 15-time Most Popular Driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kelley Earnhardt Miller and NASCAR Hall of Famer Rick Hendrick. Now in its 21st year of overall competition, JR Motorsports competes in multiple divisions, including the NASCAR Xfinity Series where it currently fields four full-time teams and earned championships in 2014, 2017 and 2018. The company also races in Late Model competition and owns four championships in regional Late Model divisions and added a prized national title in 2020. To learn more about the organization, its drivers and its sponsorship opportunities, visit www.jrmracing.com.
