Kaulig Racing has undergone a significant driver shake-up for the 2025 season, with veteran AJ Allmendinger and fellow competitor Ty Dillon stepping into full-time roles while Daniel Hemric exits the team. This successful transition aims to bolster the team’s performance as the first quarter unfolds, igniting conversations throughout the racing community.
“Going into Talladega, we are going to be right on the edge of the playoffs,” Allmendinger shared recently. “If you asked me after the disappointment at COTA, I wasn’t even looking at the points. It’s been great seeing the speed that we bring to the track.” Indeed, Allmendinger’s reentry into full-time NASCAR Cup competition has been marked by a notable surge in performance. Since the third round in COTA, his No. 16 chevrolet/”>Chevrolet has jumped from 24th to 14th in the points standings, placing him just two points shy of Kyle Busch for the final playoff transfer position.
Allmendinger expressed his intentions with enthusiasm, striving to improve week after week. “I don’t know if I ever come in, especially on the Cup side, with real expectations. I just want us to keep getting better,” he remarked. “The ultimate goal is you want to win a race, win races, be in the playoffs. But the fact of trying to go out there and just run better every week has been the most exciting for us.” His acknowledgment of the team’s growth reinforces the optimistic outlook surrounding Kaulig Racing.
Ty Dillon, who joined Kaulig Racing after a limited run in 2024, complements Allmendinger’s aspirations. Although he currently ranks 29th in points, Dillon has showcased his capabilities with four top-20 finishes in the first nine races. His extensive experience, boasting over 200 career Cup starts, adds depth to Kaulig Racing. Dillon’s connection with Richard Childress Racing and his brother, Austin Dillon, strengthens this partnership as it fosters collaborative growth.
“It’s been a lot of fun having Ty in the race team,” Allmendinger noted. “Him and Austin are brothers, and that has tied our race teams together more, which is what we’ve needed to do.” The integration of both teams, along with personnel shifts such as Mike Cook moving from Stewart-Haas Racing to Kaulig, has cultivated a collaborative environment that enhances their competitiveness. “I feel we are working, by far, the best we have ever worked together, which is what we need to do to run with Hendrick and Gibbs,” Allmendinger emphasized.
As they move past their lone off-week, the focus sharpens on the upcoming 28 consecutive weekends of racing, creating an enticing prospect for both drivers as they strive for victories and playoff positions. “I’ve been doing this for so long; the summer months can get long,” Allmendinger reflected. “We got some good tracks during the summer for sure, but they can get long, and that’s when teams can separate themselves. We got to keep working hard, which I know we will.”
This driver shake-up signifies a bold strategy for Kaulig Racing, potentially reshaping their trajectory in the competitive landscape of NASCAR. The thrill surrounding Allmendinger and Dillon’s dedication to the sport and their collaborative efforts may herald a new era of success for the team, captivating fans and competitors alike as the season progresses.
