The Kaulig Racing ROVAL 400 recap highlights a dramatic end for AJ Allmendinger, who secured ninth place after an eventful final lap at Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL. The race, held at this iconic road course, saw emotional moments and strategic decisions that tested both drivers and their teams.
AJ Allmendinger’s Race Filled with Ups and Downs
Driving the No. 16 Celsius Camaro ZL1, AJ Allmendinger started the Bank of America ROVAL 400 from the ninth spot. Early on, he maintained his position and made scheduled pit stops on lap 12 and lap 22, finishing Stage 1 in 16th place. This pit strategy allowed Allmendinger to begin Stage 2 from the front, and he held the lead until lap 41. After being overtaken, he pitted for service as he struggled with a loose-handling car.
The team, led by Crew Chief Trent Owens, then opted for an aggressive strategy by flipping the second stage, allowing Allmendinger to restart the final stage in sixth. He quickly moved into fourth place but reported worn-out tires. Owens made a bold call to bring him in for tires on lap 81, after which Allmendinger raced back up to sixth. A final stop with 14 laps remaining set up a fierce dash to the finish.
On the last lap, as Allmendinger attempted a pass for seventh, a competitor clipped his car in the final corner. The No. 16 spun around and crossed the finish line backwards, ultimately salvaging a ninth-place finish at the ROVAL.
Ty Dillon Faces Setback After Promising Start
Ty Dillon piloted the No. 10 Sea Best Camaro ZL1 for Kaulig Racing, starting in 16th position. He moved up to tenth in Stage 1 and maintained a strong pace, ending Stage 2 in 11th. However, fortunes changed during the last segment of the race. Under a caution period at lap 58, the No. 35 car made hard contact with Dillon, a move intended to express dissatisfaction over a previous racing incident. The impact caused significant damage, breaking the right front tire on Dillon’s car.
Despite the setback, Dillon stayed on track and completed competitive laps, but the damage hindered his progress. He was unable to reclaim lost positions and finished 27th when the checkered flag flew at Charlotte.
A Tense Race Leaves Teams Reflecting on Risks and Rewards
The Bank of America ROVAL 400 at Charlotte proved to be a test of strategy, composure, and resilience for Kaulig Racing. While Crew Chief Trent Owens took daring strategic risks to support Allmendinger’s run, unexpected incidents in the closing laps determined final outcomes. Ty Dillon’s experience demonstrated how quickly a promising race can unravel due to contact in the highly intense environment of NASCAR racing.
With emotional tension and fierce competition marking this year’s event, both AJ Allmendinger and Ty Dillon now look ahead to regaining momentum in upcoming races as Kaulig Racing continues to chase stronger results.
