AJ Allmendinger achieved a remarkable milestone at Bristol by ending his 13-year pole drought on ovals. His jaw-dropping lap of 15.117 seconds highlighted the skill and preparation of his Kaulig Racing team, marking his initial pole since Watkins Glen in 2015. This accomplishment could signal a shift in fortunes for Allmendinger, especially with his strong track record on road courses. As the competition intensifies, the implications of this achievement are set to unfold in upcoming races.
Key Highlights
- AJ Allmendinger secured pole position at Bristol, ending a 13-year drought in earning pole on oval tracks.
- His impressive lap time of 15.117 seconds marked his fifth career pole in the Cup Series.
- This achievement highlights Allmendinger’s evolution as a driver beyond road courses, showcasing his versatility.
- The success is attributed to the well-prepared Chevrolet and the strong performance of the Kaulig Racing team.
- Allmendinger’s pole position could signal a potential shift in his fortunes on oval tracks moving forward.
Playoff Favorites Face a Slow Start
As the playoff contenders approached the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway, the weight of expectation loomed heavily over them, particularly for Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin, who had established themselves as powerful forces on the short track.
However, the race weekend began with an unexpected twist as both drivers struggled to find their rhythm, securing fifth and sixth starting positions, respectively. This slow start raised concerns about their ability to capitalize on their historical strength at Bristol.
Meanwhile, AJ Allmendinger, a non-playoff contender, seized the opportunity, highlighting his talent and stealing the spotlight.
The contrasting trajectories of these drivers highlighted the unpredictable nature of racing, as favorites faltered while unexpected talents emerged, creating an intriguing dynamic in the playoff landscape.
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AJ Allmendinger’s Road Course Reputation
A legacy of excellence defines AJ Allmendinger’s career as a master of road course racing, setting him apart in the competitive landscape of NASCAR. Known for his tactical skill and deft handling, Allmendinger has captured victories at iconic venues, demonstrating his road course genius. His ability to navigate complex track layouts has yielded notable success, as depicted in the following table:
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Cup Series Wins | 3 |
| Top Tens (2025) | 6 |
| Top Fives (2025) | 2 |
Although Allmendinger faced challenges in recent years, his 18 Xfinity Series victories emphasize his dominance on road courses, solidifying his reputation as an impressive competitor within the NASCAR domain.
You closed your eyes, AJ?! 😂 pic.twitter.com/ICSdqz6HId
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 12, 2025
Breaking the Pole Drought
AJ Allmendinger’s skill on road courses has long been celebrated, yet the recent achievement of securing a pole position at Bristol marks a significant milestone in his career.
Lapping the half-mile oval in an impressive 15.117 seconds, Allmendinger not only captured his fifth career pole but also ended a decade-long drought since his last Cup pole at Watkins Glen in 2015.
In a frank post-qualifying interview, he expressed surprise at his performance, attributing it to a well-prepared Chevrolet and the relentless effort of his Kaulig Racing team.
“I don’t know, I closed my eyes at a couple points. I’m not really sure. This Chevy was pretty good in practice, and this place is so tough to qualify. The first lap, she stuck, and I looked down at the dash like okay, that’s a pretty good lap. I know it’s just qualifying. We got 500 laps around this place but to get a pole at Bristol is pretty awesome.” – AJ Allmendinger
This accomplishment, while qualifying, symbolizes a potential shift in Allmendinger’s fortunes on ovals, as he seeks to transform this small victory into a larger narrative for the upcoming race.
Josh Berry’s Playoff Struggles
Struggles often define the path of a driver’s season, and for Josh Berry, this postseason has been particularly challenging.
After a dazzling victory in mid-March, anticipation surrounded the Wood Brothers Racing driver. However, his momentum faltered sharply, marked by a disappointing sequence of results.
Berry managed just three top-ten finishes after his successes at Kansas, Daytona, and Richmond, while grappling with six did-not-finish (DNF) outcomes. This inconsistency has placed him 45 points below the playoff elimination cutline, the lowest among his peers.
As the competition intensifies, and threats like AJ Allmendinger rise, Berry’s need for a turnaround becomes increasingly urgent. Without a notable shift in performance, his playoff ambitions may slip further from reach.
Berry’s Optimistic Mindset
Resilience defines Josh Berry’s approach as he looks ahead to the upcoming race at Bristol. Despite recent setbacks, including crashes in crucial moments, Berry maintains an optimistic outlook. His focus is on performance, emphasizing the importance of running competitively rather than fixating solely on outcomes.
“Now, if we want to advance to the next round we need to win, but we could lead 400 laps Saturday night and blow an engine or have a flat tire and I don’t think any of us on Monday would be disappointed because we ran good. The biggest thing is we just need to run well and be in contention on Saturday night and see what happens from there.” – Berry
| Race | Starting Position | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Southern 500 | 3rd | Crash |
| Gateway | Top-10 | Crash due to mistake |
| Bristol | TBD | Optimistic Finish |
Berry’s perspective reveals a strategy rooted in the belief that consistent performance can lead to success. As he notes, a strong showing, even with potential setbacks, can yield valuable insights and opportunities for future races.
News In Brief: AJ Allmendinger Ends 13-Year Oval Curse With Jaw-Dropping Bristol Lap
AJ Allmendinger’s stunning performance at Bristol not only shattered his long-standing oval curse but also displayed his adaptability and skill beyond road courses. As playoff favorites grapple with a slow start, Allmendinger’s victory serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of racing. Meanwhile, Josh Berry’s resilience amidst his struggles highlights the mental strength required in competitive sports. The dynamics of this season promise to keep fans on the edge of their seats as the playoffs unfold.
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