AJ Allmendinger’s competitive mindset continues to define both his NASCAR Cup Series campaign and his off-track pursuits, even as his 2025 return to full-time Cup action with Kaulig Racing has presented challenges. Known for his unyielding drive, Allmendinger has shown that his approach to competition extends well beyond the racetrack, often leading to spirited rivalries and even drawing involvement from his wife, Tara Meador.
Competition Extends Into Every Aspect of Life
Following a strong Championship 4 run in the Xfinity Series in the previous season, Allmendinger’s current year has proven difficult, yielding just two top-five finishes and seven top-tens out of 34 starts. Yet, his focus on competitive improvement remains undiminished. During Jeff Gluck’s latest 12 Questions interview, Allmendinger discussed how his competitive attitude surfaces in even the most casual situations, including time spent with friends.
“Every time I play. But really, just with myself. I always joke with my buddies that I’d rather lose shooting 76 and them shoot 75 than me shoot 85 and they shoot 86 and I beat them,”
— AJ Allmendinger, Driver
Allmendinger credits his approach to a mentality ingrained from years of racing, acknowledging that his battle with himself is as fierce away from the track as it is during races. His comments about his hobbies parallel the emotional ride of professional motorsports.
“You love it even though it drives you insane and gives you lots of misery at times,”
— AJ Allmendinger, Driver
The competitive drive is so pronounced, according to Allmendinger, that his wife has sometimes encouraged him to consider less intense activities, but he has remained committed to pushing himself in all pursuits.
“My wife [Tara] always says, ‘Why don’t you pick up a hobby that’s not competitive?’ I say, ‘No, I just want to be better at the hobbies that I’ve got.’ I love it and hate it all at the same time, just like racing,”
— AJ Allmendinger, Driver
Setbacks and Intensity on the Track
This same passion was visible on race day at Talladega, where Allmendinger’s hopes unraveled on Lap 52 of the YellaWood 500. The action intensified after the initial green-flag pit stops, culminating in a crash prompted by a miscalculated push from Erik Jones. The resulting contact with Noah Gragson caused a chain reaction that swept in Allmendinger, Chase Elliott, defending fall winner Ricky Stenhouse Jr., and several other contenders.
Allmendinger’s No. 16 car suffered heavy damage, coming to rest as smoke poured from the vehicle. After exiting his car, Allmendinger briefly lay on the ground before making his way to the ambulance. Ultimately, he was among seven drivers unable to continue, recording a 37th-place result as Elliott, Stenhouse Jr., Gragson, and Jones also exited the race prematurely.
Looking Ahead to Martinsville and Beyond
Despite the setbacks at Talladega, Allmendinger’s unrelenting approach suggests he is ready to face the upcoming challenge at Martinsville. Historically, the track has been more favorable for him, with two top-five finishes highlighting past performances. With two races left in the season and pride on the line, Allmendinger aims to use the competitive fire that drives him—on and off the track—to finish strong, hopeful that his Xfinity Series momentum can help close the year on a more positive note.
As the season draws to a close, Allmendinger’s enduring determination solidifies his reputation within NASCAR circles, reinforcing the vital role his competitive nature plays, whether he is facing adversity behind the wheel or competing against friends on the golf course. The racing community will watch closely to see how this unflagging mindset influences his end-of-season results.
Always fun to do a 12 Questions interview with @AJDinger: https://t.co/VXwhoQtZbX
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) October 15, 2025
