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Justin Allgaier nearly hung up his helmet. That would have been awkward

Justin Allgaier was so certain his racing career was over that he bought a house in Illinois and started making retirement plans. Then Dale Jr. called.

By Reid Spencer NASCAR Wire Service · Cup Scene

Published: Thursday, 5 November 2026 at 9:18 PM

Key Things to Know

Justin Allgaier revealed he almost retired from NASCAR before signing a contract extension through the 2028 season.
JR Motorsports co-owners Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kelley Earnhardt Miller successfully convinced Allgaier to continue racing.
Allgaier enters the Homestead-Miami Championship Race with a 22-point Chase lead over defending champion Jesse Love.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Justin Allgaier revealed he was completely prepared to retire from NASCAR before signing an extension with JR Motorsports through 2028. JR Motorsports co-owners Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kelley Earnhardt Miller convinced the driver of the No. 7 Chevrolet to continue racing, leading into a highly successful campaign where he won six of the opening 21 races.

Following a second-place finish at Martinsville Speedway, Allgaier enters the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway leading the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Chase by 22 points. Defending champion Jesse Love sits in second place, with Corey Day, Carson Kvapil, and Sheldon Creed also remaining in title contention.

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Justin Allgaier nearly hung up his helmet. That would have been awkward

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