Kaulig Racing Strategic Shift: Kaulig Racing’s impact on this year’s NASCAR Cup Series silly season might not have received the attention it deserves. The story began in July when Justin Haley surprised many by choosing to join Rick Ware Racing instead of continuing with Matt Kaulig’s team in 2024. Stepping into Haley’s seat in the No. 31 Chevrolet is Daniel Hemric, a former Cup Series driver who spent the last two seasons racing for Kaulig Racing in the Xfinity Series.
Expectations were that Hemric would team up with A.J. Allmendinger, who has been driving the No. 16 Chevrolet for Kaulig Racing in his first full Cup Series season after select races in 2021 and 2022, including a win at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course.
Allmendinger has had a strong 2023 season, outperforming Haley. However, he has always been open to returning to the Xfinity Series if Kaulig Racing believes it’s the best move for the team. The decision to bring in Ty Dillon, though surprising, raises eyebrows given Dillon’s performance record. He has changed teams frequently, with Kaulig Racing becoming his fifth team since 2020.
Dillon’s recent track record doesn’t inspire confidence. He has consistently ranked at the bottom of the series, first with Legacy Motor Club in 2022 and now with Spire Motorsports in 2023. While he has never had a full-time Cup Series teammate until this year, his performance compared to his teammates, such as Erik Jones in 2022 and Corey LaJoie in 2023, hasn’t been stellar.
Allmendinger, on the other hand, just clinched a win at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval, showcasing his undeniable talent. Sending him back to the Xfinity Series might not be the best choice, especially if he is replaced by someone of Dillon’s caliber.
However, there might be a strategic reasoning behind this decision. Hemric’s promotion and Chandler Smith’s departure from Kaulig Racing’s Xfinity Series team create an opening where Allmendinger could excel. Returning to a series where he would be a top contender for the championship might be a logical move, even if it doesn’t seem performance-based.
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