Dale Earnhardt Jr. praises AJ Allmendinger’s NASCAR performance as one of the most compelling surprises in the current NASCAR Cup Series. AJ Allmendinger, at 43 years of age and driving for Kaulig Racing, is showcasing remarkable form just as the 2025 season heats up and the playoffs loom closer.
Allmendinger and Kaulig Racing Make Big Strides
In a season where few predicted such a rise, AJ Allmendinger has revitalized his Cup career and pushed Kaulig Racing into the spotlight. His fourth-place finish at the recent Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway marked his strongest result of the year, helping propel him to 17th in the overall standings and just outside the playoff cutline. This progress follows a previous year where the team struggled to find its pace.
Assessing the transformation, Dale Earnhardt Jr. reflected on the journey:
“They [Kaulig] were awful last year,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR commentator and former driver
He emphasized the leap in performance and the significance of running strong throughout races, noting Allmendinger’s consistently impressive practice sessions leading up to key events.
Eyeing the In-Season Tournament and Playoff Hopes
The NASCAR Cup Series is set for a significant moment with the debut of its five-race In-Season Tournament, beginning at Atlanta Motor Speedway in one month. Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic, speaking alongside Earnhardt Jr. on the Dale Jr. Download, highlighted Allmendinger as a potential contender for the $1 million tournament prize. Earnhardt concurred, pointing to AJ’s ability to remain competitive across various tracks.
“… He stayed up in the top-10 and raced in the top-five at times and had a real solid night. To your [Bianchi] point, if he comes out of the bracket — if he survives Atlanta, he’s got a great shot at Sonoma to stay alive and the speed they have at these other racetracks.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR commentator and former driver
The upcoming schedule features tracks known to suit Allmendinger’s road course skills, offering realistic opportunities for him to advance deep into the tournament. The Chicago Street Race and Sonoma Raceway follow Atlanta as key dates where Allmendinger’s strengths could prove decisive.
Road Courses Create Opportunity but Not Guarantees
Of the races left before the postseason, four are road courses—formats where Allmendinger is widely respected as one of the most talented drivers in the field. This enhances his chances to make a significant impression in the standings. However, qualifying for the playoffs remains a difficult task given his current position just below the cutline, and with strong competition from other contenders aiming for the last spots.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. spoke about the challenge Allmendinger faces in attempting to secure enough points to qualify:
“That’s very doable. 13 points is actually a lot,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR commentator and former driver
“Coming into Charlotte, no driver had ever overcome a 20-point deficit to point their way into the playoffs. I would have never thought that was a big deal. 20 points, only twice have drivers climbed their way back into the playoffs 20 points out going into Charlotte. That’s wild, because it feels like there’s a ton of racing left. But that’s how competitive the racing around that bubble is.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR commentator and former driver
While a win would automatically secure Allmendinger’s spot in the postseason, relying solely on points remains uncertain. The road ahead demands continued consistency and possibly a breakthrough moment at one of his favored circuits.
Impact of Allmendinger’s Run and What Lies Ahead
The surge from Allmendinger and Kaulig Racing is energizing the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series, injecting fresh excitement into the playoff race with each event. With Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jordan Bianchi singling him out as a genuine threat—especially on the remaining road courses—fans and competitors alike will closely monitor his pursuit of both the in-season tournament reward and a playoff berth.
As the season moves beyond Atlanta and into tracks like the Chicago Street Race and Sonoma Raceway, AJ Allmendinger’s performance will be a key storyline, potentially leading to a memorable playoff breakthrough and establishing one of the year’s standout motorsports comebacks.
