A.J. Allmendinger Future: A.J. Allmendinger notched a victory in the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season, yet his return for a full-time stint with Kaulig Racing in 2024 appears uncertain.
Kaulig Racing foresaw the need for a new driver for the No. 31 Chevrolet in the upcoming season, as Justin Haley decided to make a move to Rick Ware Racing. They swiftly named Daniel Hemric, who had been with their Xfinity Series team the previous year, as Haleys successor.
Rumors now circulate that Kaulig Racing might witness a complete turnover in their full-time Cup Series lineup from 2023 to 2024, with Ty Dillon potentially replacing A.J. Allmendinger after just one season steering the No. 16 Chevrolet.
At first glance, this move may seem perplexing. Allmendinger, the victor in both of Kaulig Racings Cup Series triumphs, reentered full-time Cup Series competition in 2023 after a hiatus since 2018, claiming victory at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval in October.
However, the likelihood of Allmendinger relinquishing his ride might not align with the conventional understanding of “losing one’s ride.” He has consistently expressed his openness to align with the decisions deemed best for the team by owner Matt Kaulig and team president Chris Rice.
A potential shift back to the NASCAR Xfinity Series could be on the horizon for Allmendinger. Perhaps he aspires to contend for a championship and be a regular front-runner in the Xfinity Series, a feat challenging even for a race winner in the current standing of Kaulig Racing within the Cup Series.
Respectfully, Kaulig Racing may not be contenders with drivers like Hemric and Dillon. Even with the prowess of a skilled driver like Allmendinger, they do not operate as a top-tier Cup Series team.
Therefore, there is a logical rationale behind having their most accomplished driver compete in the series where they have achieved the most success and can realistically vie for the title. This becomes even more crucial as they require drivers following Hemric’s promotion and Chandler Smith’s departure, likely to Joe Gibbs Racing.
In two full seasons (2021 and 2022) with Kaulig Racings Xfinity Series team, Allmendinger secured an impressive 10 wins. His part-time efforts over three seasons (2019, 2020, and 2023) yielded an additional five victories, including two in five starts during the 2023 campaign.
It’s crucial to note that this potential move wouldn’t preclude Allmendinger from competing for Kaulig Racing in the Cup Series next year. The team ran a third car in select races in 2023, and when Allmendinger secured their first Cup Series win at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course in 2021, he did so as a part-time driver in just his fourth Cup start for the organization.
Given that the team hasn’t yet reached championship-caliber status over a complete 36-race Cup Series calendar, offering their road course specialist a limited schedule alongside a potential full-time Xfinity Series title run carries minimal downsides.
This strategic approach maximizes their chances of adding to their Cup Series win tally while optimizing the overall program’s potential for success. If confirmed, this move exemplifies the concept of “trophy hunting” in its truest form.
The only lingering question pertains to the choice of Dillon, statistically the least successful driver over the past two seasons, to replace Allmendinger. However, that’s a discussion for another day.
ALSO READ: Allmendinger Return: How It Alters Dillon’s Racing Fate
Our Reader’s Queries
What is AJ Allmendinger doing in 2024?
In 2024, AJ Allmendinger will be back in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, driving the No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet on a full-time basis. Kaulig Racing has announced that Allmendinger will have a role in both the Xfinity and Cup programs for the upcoming season.
Where is AJ Allmendinger going?
Kaulig Racing has confirmed that AJ Allmendinger will be making a comeback to the Xfinity Series in 2024. Allmendinger had previously joined the team on a part-time basis in 2019 and later moved up to the Cup Series in 2023. Unfortunately, his return to the Cup Series didn’t go as expected, resulting in his return to the Xfinity Series.
Who is AJ Allmendinger driving for in 2023?
In the 2023 Bank of America ROVAL 400, he clinched the team’s second NCS race. According to Matt Kaulig, the team owner, AJ is more than just a collection of trophies and banners in their shop. To Kaulig Racing, he holds a special place.
Who will drive for Kaulig in 2024?
Kaulig Racing is making a big move in 2024 by fielding Josh Williams, A.J. Allmendinger, and Shane van Gisbergen as full-time drivers. The NASCAR team has now announced the crew chiefs for each driver next year. Kevin Walter, who previously worked as an engineer at JR Motorsports, will be the crew chief for Williams.