AJ Allmendinger took the NASCAR world by surprise with his remarkable performance in qualifying, securing the AJ Allmendinger Bristol pole position at Bristol’s demanding short track. The experienced Kaulig Racing driver, now 43, seized the top spot in a session meant to focus on Joey Logano and Kyle Larson, showing how veteran skill can still shape the sport’s biggest moments.
Veteran Driver Shakes Up Expectations at Bristol
Allmendinger captured attention at the Bristol Motor Speedway, delivering a 15.117-second lap that placed him ahead of some of the Cup Series’ best-known drivers. Piloting the No. 16 car for Kaulig Racing, he added a fifth pole position to his career, but this achievement carries special significance as it marked his return to the front of the grid after more than a decade. The last time Allmendinger claimed a pole on an oval was in April 2012 at Kansas Speedway, underlining just how rare and impressive this accomplishment is for the longtime NASCAR veteran.
The seasoned driver will lead the field when the race starts, making a memorable statement that will not be forgotten in NASCAR’s extensive history. The event not only highlights Allmendinger’s persistence in the face of fierce competition, but also demonstrates the value of experience at the highest level—a quality often overlooked in the era of rising young racers.
Bristol Pole Win Enters the NASCAR Record Books
Allmendinger’s pole position carries a special significance that extends beyond personal achievement. According to a recent post by NASCAR Insights, the past three Cup Series pole winners have each been 43 or older—a historical rarity last seen in the year 2000. Dale Jarrett, Bill Elliott, and Rusty Wallace were the trio who accomplished this feat just as the 21st century began, and it has taken a quarter-century for it to recur.
Recently, Denny Hamlin, aged 44, claimed pole positions in the first two Cup Series playoff races, adding a win at the Enjoy Illinois 300 to his list of accomplishments. Now, Allmendinger joins Hamlin in continuing the streak of veteran success at the highest level of stock car racing, highlighting the changing landscape where experience once again yields results.
After securing the pole, Allmendinger expressed his emotions and pride, stating,
Every old dog has his day. Hopefully, we can do that for 500 laps, but I’m super proud of all the men and women at Kaulig Racing. We’ve been building fast cars all year, and this Cup Series is tough, especially when you’re a small team trying to grow.
—AJ Allmendinger, Driver
What This Means for Allmendinger and the Bristol Race
Even though Allmendinger has only led four laps this season before this race, his starting position gives him the best opportunity yet to add to that tally on one of NASCAR’s most challenging circuits. At Bristol, track position can determine the entire race outcome, especially on its concrete surface where the margin for error is slim and chaos is common.
The 500-lap race offers Allmendinger a chance to convert his pole into a lasting memory and perhaps an even bigger milestone for both himself and Kaulig Racing. As the green flag waves, all eyes will be on the seasoned driver to see if his knowledge, resilience, and recent history-making pace can carry him through the demands of short-track racing and set a lasting example for veterans across the sport.
