Allmendinger Playoff Pursuit: The recent road course race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway gave several NASCAR drivers a chance to improve and qualify for the playoffs. Michael McDowell capitalized by winning the race. He made the playoffs with this win. Daniel Suarez and Brad Keselowski strategically maximized their race points.
AJ Allmendinger’s circumstance is strange. He could have improved his playoff prospects in Indianapolis. Allmendinger can still reach the playoffs, but it will be harder.
Kaulig Racing needs Allmendinger. Only three elite drivers have won a NASCAR Cup Series race at IMS. The first race in his five-race Cup Series road race with Kaulig in 2021, which he won, was crucial. JTG Daugherty Racing dismissed Allmendinger in 2018, a major event. Before that, he and Kaulig sought NASCAR Xfinity Series titles. He felt reborn in racing after his Indianapolis win.
In 2021, Kaulig Racing signed Allmendinger to drive all Xfinity races. He raced well. Five wins got him to the championship race. He won five races the following year. This fueled his desire to shine in the Cup Series. Kaulig stated Allmendinger will be the lone Cup Series driver of the No. 16 car next year. Gragson and Hemric shared this automobile. Allmendinger’s importance increases.
Allmendinger led the battle to qualify for the 2023 playoffs early on. His chances increased after winning Watkins Glen International in 2014 when the Cup Series included road courses. The Next Gen automobile leveled the playing field, improving his prospects. His Kaulig successes boosted his attempt. Allmendinger needed all three things to align precisely to make the playoffs from the center of the group.
Allmendinger’s aspirations were dashed. He finished sixth in the chaotic Daytona 500 but never in the top 10 in the following 14 races. Allmendinger and Kaulig couldn’t keep up. On lap 60 of the Circuit of the Americas road race, an incident at turn 1 stopped him.
Allmendinger finished sixth at Sonoma Raceway and moved up from 24th to 20th in the overall standings, giving him hope. He finished 17th in the Chicago street race and did well at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Allmendinger wisely raced during the caution as it began to rain. He advanced. He tried hard to beat William Byron, but the rain halted the race early, preventing him from winning.
Allmendinger can still qualify for the playoffs despite the Atlanta near-accident. He qualified 19th at Michigan International Speedway. He missed the next round by 21 points. Allmendinger had a huge chance to win or qualify for the playoffs before Indianapolis.
Allmendinger’s Sunday race was terrible. The number 16 vehicle got no points since it didn’t finish first. Ryan Blaney lost control and drove off track on a turn, making the race harder for A.J. Allmendinger. After a terrible 26th-place finish, he is presently 21st in overall points. He is 87 points behind the playoff cut line.
Allmendinger and Kaulig have struggled on twisty tracks in 2023. This is unlike Michael McDowell and Front Row Motorsports, who surprised everyone by making the playoffs.
McDowell was in a playoff fight and making career-defining choices a week ago. McDowell signed with FRM, won his second Cup Series race, and qualified for the playoffs in seven days. FRM and McDowell’s efforts succeeded.
Allmendinger is optimistic as the regular season winds down. Daytona might be nice if the No. 16 vehicle continues as quickly as it did in Atlanta. He will be watched at Watkins Glen this weekend. Daytona may be spectacular if the No. 16 car maintains its Atlanta performance. Allmendinger’s best chances to make the playoffs in 2023 may have passed. He will have a difficult and demanding duty for the next two weeks, initially reducing his Cup Series excitement. Allmendinger values the following weeks. It’s his make-or-break moment. After nine years, he might make the playoffs if he performs well. If he fails, he may exit the Cup Series.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Did AJ Allmendinger’s wife have her baby?
Aero James Allmendinger has finally arrived! A.J. and Tara Allmendinger are proud to welcome their first child into the world. The little one made his debut on Thursday at 11:31am. Both mom and baby are doing great, and the family is overjoyed. A big thank you to everyone who offered their positivity and support during this exciting time.
Who is the almond dinger in NASCAR?
Anthony James Allmendinger, also known as “The Dinger,” is a skilled American stock car racing driver. He currently races full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, where he drives the No. 16 Chevrolet Camaro for Kaulig Racing. Additionally, he competes part-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, driving the No. car. With his impressive talent and dedication to the sport, Allmendinger is a force to be reckoned with on the track.
What 4 drivers are in the NASCAR playoffs?
The stage is set for the Championship 4 showdown at Phoenix Raceway this Sunday. Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, Ryan Blaney, and William Byron will battle it out for the coveted 2023 NASCAR Cup Series title. Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled race as these top-notch drivers put their skills to the test. Who will emerge victorious? Stay tuned to find out!
Is Bubba Wallace still in the playoffs?
Wallace shared his thoughts on his recent weekend at the Charlotte ROVAL and his unfortunate elimination from the 2023 NASCAR playoffs during the Round of 12. Despite the disappointment, he remained positive and focused on the future.
