Kaulig Racing was penalized for unapproved adjustments at Nashville after NASCAR officials detained the No. 16 Chevrolet, driven by AJ Allmendinger, due to irregularities with its splitter just before practice commenced. The action, which came as the team prepared for the race on pit road at Nashville, led to significant consequences, impacting both the team’s strategy and Allmendinger’s starting position.
Inspection Trouble Raises Questions Ahead of Race Weekend
Allmendinger, who had hopes to build on his recent top-five result at the Coca-Cola 600, experienced a difficult start to the weekend when NASCAR officials required the Kaulig Racing Chevrolet to return to the garage. A crew member was observed working with the splitter, prompting suspicion from officials that adjustments had been made after pre-qualifying inspection. This not only interrupted the pre-practice routine but also set the stage for further penalties.
Upon being brought back for a compliance check, the car failed its first inspection, confirming NASCAR’s concerns about unauthorized modifications. With time running out ahead of practice, the crew worked rapidly to address the issues flagged by officials in order to pass a subsequent inspection. They succeeded on their second attempt, but NASCAR penalized the team by holding the car for the first ten minutes of the 25-minute Group B practice session, cutting into valuable track time.
Kaulig Racing Faces Additional Sanctions for Rule Violation
The aftermath brought even steeper penalties for the team. NASCAR announced that Kaulig Racing lost the privilege of choosing their pit stall for Sunday’s race, and Allmendinger, who had originally qualified 17th on the 39-car grid, would be required to start at the very back. Car chief Jaron Antley received a more severe penalty: ejection from the track for the remainder of the weekend and confiscation of his credential by NASCAR officials.
The penalties did not end there. As the race begins, Allmendinger will also be forced to serve a stop-and-go penalty under green flag conditions, further hampering his competitiveness for the remainder of the event.
AJ Allmendinger Responds to Weekend Adversity
In the face of mounting challenges, Allmendinger addressed the situation.
“It’s just a part of NASCAR life,”
he reflected, illustrating a sense of resilience amidst the setback. —Allmendinger, Driver
He elaborated on the sequence of events:
“NASCAR saw something they didn’t like when we were sitting there, we had to go back, (and) my guys did a good job. We got back through there…only lost 10 or 12 minutes of practice, and the way these practices work, you almost run out of tire anyway so it’s not like you gotta be out there for 25 minutes.”
—Allmendinger, Driver
Implications for Kaulig Racing and the 2025 Season
As this setback unfolds, Allmendinger remains 18th in the championship standings, sitting just 13 points below the playoff cut-line. Kaulig Racing, still searching for its first win of the 2025 season, saw its most promising performance less than a week ago with Allmendinger’s finish inside the top five at the Coca-Cola 600. The penalties at Nashville add pressure to a squad already hungry for results, with veteran leadership and teamwork set to play a crucial role in overcoming adversity as the season progresses.
The emotional toll of such penalties and disruptions can be significant for both a well-established driver and his team. As Kaulig Racing regroups, all eyes will be on their performance in coming races as they fight to regain momentum in a highly competitive NASCAR season.
