AJ Allmendinger Charlotte ROVAL efforts brought another top-10 finish for the driver and his No. 16 team after a dramatic final lap, as he overcame a late-race spin at the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL on Sunday. The race, which saw strategic gambles, timely pit stops, and a competitive field, underscored both Allmendinger’s skill and the expectations for greater results from his Kaulig Racing crew in their home state.
Strong Start for the No. 16 Team at the ROVAL
Kicking off the race weekend with noticeable speed, Allmendinger and his Kaulig Racing teammates set the pace early on by leading the practice session on Saturday. Their momentum continued with a ninth-place starting position following a solid qualifying effort, which positioned the team well among the strong field for the main event at Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL.
Strategic Moves Shape the Middle of the Race
Crew chief Trent Owens played a critical role early, calling for two timely pit stops during the opening stage. This decision to split the stage on pit strategy advanced Allmendinger to the front, putting him in the lead as Stage 2 began. He capitalized on the opportunity, staying out front for a notable 13 laps before being overtaken, after which he returned to pit road for another service stop as part of the team’s race plan.
Challenges and Critical Decisions in the Final Stage
As the race progressed into the final stage, Allmendinger found himself running in sixth place but reported that his car was becoming increasingly loose. Aware that the handling might cost them positions, Owens made another calculated call by bringing Allmendinger in for a pit stop at lap 81. This proactive approach enabled the No. 16 Chevy to re-enter the top 10 as the race unfolded, with Allmendinger steadily climbing through the order as the end of the race approached.
Dramatic Closing Lap and Reflections from the Team
On the last lap, Allmendinger attempted to overtake for seventh place but was clipped by another competitor in the final corner, sending his car spinning. Remarkably, he crossed the finish line in reverse, securing ninth and marking his seventh top-10 result of the 2025 season. The moment showcased both the unpredictability of road course racing and the resilience of Allmendinger and his team.
“A respectable day for our team but obviously having AJ’s talent at the ROVAL, we expect more,”
said Owens, Crew Chief.
“Our car was fast in the early laps of a tire run but tire wear was a little excessive requiring us to pit one more time than originally planned. Proud of team though and AJ’s driving. Top-10 finishes in this garage are always an achievement, but we want more.”
– Trent Owens, Crew Chief
Looking Ahead After Charlotte
The performance at Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL highlights both the capability of AJ Allmendinger and his Kaulig Racing team and the challenges that arise from split-second race decisions and unexpected on-track incidents. As the season continues, the group aims to build on their current momentum, refine their strategies, and push for even stronger results in future outings, drawing from the hard-fought lessons learned during this eventful hometown race.
