In a significant move for Kaulig Racing, AJ Allmendinger has chosen Christian Eckes as his Xfinity Series successor, marking an important transition in the No. 16 Chevrolet lineup. This decision comes as Allmendinger prepares to return to Kaulig Racing’s Cup Series team in 2025, leaving behind a seat he personally recommended Eckes to fill. The rookie’s journey has been marked by both promise and adversity, as he candidly described his debut season with Kaulig as “challenging” in a recent CBS Sports interview, highlighting the pressure to meet high expectations set by previous successes.
Eckes entered the NASCAR Xfinity Series following a stellar performance in the 2024 Truck Series, where he shattered records with four wins and 22 top-10 finishes in just 23 starts. Despite these accomplishments, the shift to Xfinity competition has proven demanding. Eckes and his team have struggled with inconsistency, recording only four top-10 finishes so far—including an impressive fifth-place finish at Circuit of the Americas—while also enduring four races cut short due to DNFs, the most recent caused by an engine failure in Texas. These setbacks have contributed to Eckes holding the 18th spot in the driver standings with 238 points, a position that falls short of both his and his team’s expectations.
According to Eckes, the adjustment to the Xfinity Series has not been as smooth as hoped. “We’ve definitely had missed opportunities,” he reflected, acknowledging the tough learning curve and the need to find better rhythm as the season unfolds. AJ Allmendinger’s involvement in selecting Eckes for the role underscores the faith placed in his ability to adapt. Team owner Matt Kaulig and team president Chris Rice leaned heavily on Allmendinger’s input, and he did not hesitate to recommend Eckes as his No. 16 Chevrolet successor.
The dynamic between AJ Allmendinger and Christian Eckes extends beyond simple succession, as both find themselves in similar championship positions—Allmendinger ranks 19th in the Cup Series standings, while Eckes is 18th in the Xfinity Series. With the Xfinity Series now on a two-week hiatus before the BetMGM 300 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 24, both driver and team face a crucial opportunity to regroup, refocus, and address their early-season struggles.
AJ Allmendinger’s selection of Christian Eckes as his Xfinity successor signals a vote of confidence amid uncertainty, setting the stage for renewed determination and growth. The upcoming stretch of the season will be pivotal, with both Allmendinger and Eckes aiming to turn “missed opportunities” into success stories as they navigate the intense challenges of NASCAR’s premier competitions.
