Kaulig Racing‘s performance took center stage during the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway, with both AJ Allmendinger and Ty Dillon encountering significant highs and lows in Saturday night’s NASCAR Cup Series event. This Kaulig Racing Bristol race recap highlights how track issues, mechanical faults, and tire wear shaped their evening under the lights.
Ty Dillon’s Uphill Battle in the No. 10 Car
Ty Dillon began the race in the 37th position driving the No. 10 Grizzly Nicotine Pouches Camaro ZL1. Despite reporting satisfaction with the car’s handling, Dillon was caught two laps behind due to a green-flag pit stop midway through the first stage. The team couldn’t capitalize on opportunities needed to regain lost ground, which compromised the remainder of their race. Dillon managed to improve his position slightly, crossing the finish line in 27th place, despite his efforts and a solid vehicle underneath him.
Allmendinger’s Pole Win Turns to Disappointment
AJ Allmendinger claimed the pole for the race after clocking a fast lap of 15.117 seconds, marking his first pole position with Kaulig Racing and his first since 2015 in the NASCAR Cup Series. Allmendinger led from the top lane and established control early. However, the team’s strategy was immediately challenged when Allmendinger reported a tire issue and was forced to pit on lap 29. The team found the right front tire on the No. 16 Grizzly Nicotine Pouches Camaro ZL1 was cording, a situation mirrored by other competitors experiencing tire problems throughout the field.
Despite losing ground, Allmendinger regained his composure and finished seventh in the first stage. The second stage presented further adversity as he struggled with a tight-handling car and continued tire wear. The situation escalated on lap 383 with Allmendinger caught in a wreck, resulting in a broken toe link on his Chevrolet. After repairs on pit road, the No. 16 returned to the track but was ultimately retired to the garage, with Allmendinger classified in 36th position at the finish.
Outlook for Kaulig Racing
The night at Bristol Motor Speedway illustrated the unforgiving nature of the NASCAR Cup Series, as all of Kaulig Racing’s efforts were influenced by untimely setbacks and rapid developments on the track. Despite an early display of speed and confidence, both drivers saw their nights derailed by events outside their control, particularly tire-related challenges and race incidents. The resilience shown by Ty Dillon and AJ Allmendinger provides a foundation for the team to build upon as they prepare for the remainder of the season, looking to convert strong starting positions into lasting success in upcoming rounds.
