Kaulig Racing heads into the season finale at Phoenix Raceway with optimism and determination, rallying its NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series drivers for one last push in 2025. Featuring drivers like AJ Allmendinger, Ty Dillon, Daniel Dye, Brenden Queen, and Christian Eckes, the team is eager to capitalize on momentum and showcase their strengths in front of fans and sponsors at one of their most significant races of the year. The Kaulig Racing Phoenix Raceway Preview highlights each driver’s journey and prospects, as the team aims to punctuate their season with standout performances at the iconic desert venue.
Standout Performances Mark Kaulig Racing’s 2025 Campaign
This year, Kaulig Racing has demonstrated consistency and resolve across both the Cup and Xfinity Series. AJ Allmendinger led the charge at Homestead-Miami Speedway, extending his impressive top-10 streak with a seventh-place finish and setting the Next-Gen era benchmark for average finish at the track. Allmendinger also celebrated his first top-five result of 2025 at the Coca-Cola 600, crossing the line in fourth place after a strong showing in qualifying, and he followed up with another top-five at Darlington Raceway in the Southern 500.
The team’s collaborative approach was further highlighted when Supercars Champion Will Brown joined for the Chicago Street Race and later piloted the No. 11 entry in Portland. One of the season’s high points was Allmendinger securing Kaulig Racing’s only Cup Series Pole at Bristol, his first since 2015, with an impressive 15.117-second lap. Christian Eckes, meanwhile, delivered on road courses, registering two top-five and four top-10 results, adding a third-place finish at his home track, Pocono.
Off the track, Daniel Dye paid homage to Kyle Petty with a nostalgic throwback scheme at Darlington, generously contributing a portion of his winnings to Victory Junction. The drivers maintained team unity at events like the Kaulig Companies Champion Pro-Am, held at Firestone Country Club. Justin Haley brought further experience, returning to the No. 11 Chevrolet for the WaWa 250 at Daytona—a track where he’s twice won for Kaulig.
Significant organizational growth was marked by RAM selecting Kaulig Racing as its anchor team for the brand’s return to NASCAR, announcing full-time drivers Brenden Queen, Daniel Dye, and Justin Haley for the upcoming Craftsman Truck Series season. Leadership changes also defined the season, with Chris Rice promoted from President to CEO, recognizing his pivotal role since 2016 in driving the team’s remarkable progress.
Community Engagement and Challenges Define Team Character
Kaulig Racing’s impact extends beyond the racetrack. Daniel Dye made meaningful gestures in September for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month by distributing Race to Stop Suicide bracelets at World Wide Technology Raceway’s haulers and media center. His dedication earned him a spot as a finalist for the esteemed Comcast Community Champion Award, honoring his influential work in the community.
Ty Dillon, competing in his first full Cup Series season with Kaulig Racing, made headlines by finishing runner-up in the inaugural In-Season Challenge. Dillon’s path included notable battles against top seeds like Denny Hamlin, Brad Keselowski, Alex Bowman, John Hunter Nemechek, and Ty Gibbs, culminating in a strong showing at Indianapolis.
Kaulig Racing’s History at Phoenix Raceway: Cup and Xfinity Series Impact
Phoenix Raceway has been a stage for Kaulig Racing’s perseverance and progress. In the Cup Series, the team has logged 14 starts at the one-mile oval. In the Xfinity Series, their record shines brighter with six top-five and 23 top-10 finishes, reflecting their competitive spirit and consistency at the Arizona track.
Ty Dillon’s Finale as No. 10 Camaro ZL1 Driver, Backed by Alpine and AFLAC
With Andrew Dickeson as Crew Chief, Ty Dillon will pilot the No. 10 Alpine Partners/AFLAC Camaro ZL1, carrying notable sponsor support for the season’s closing weekend. Alpine Benefits, which draws on a half-century of group benefits expertise, will join forces with AFLAC to showcase their services through Dillon’s car. The organizations share a commitment to exemplary service and innovative solutions, helping businesses attract and retain talent in a demanding market.
Fans will have unique opportunities to interact with Dillon during Phoenix race weekend. On Friday, October 31, he’ll engage fans at the NASCAR Experience Stage with a game of Family Feud at 12:30 p.m. MT. On Sunday, November 2, Dillon will participate in a Busch Light Lounge Q&A at 9:30 a.m. MT, followed by a meet-and-greet at the Chevrolet Merchandise Hauler at 9:50 a.m. MT, signing autographs and sharing memories with supporters.
Throughout 2025, Dillon maintained a steady performance, with a season highlight at Atlanta Motor Speedway, finishing eighth during the first In-Season Challenge round. Earlier at Phoenix, Dillon and the No. 10 team overcame early obstacles to finish 16th, staying competitive in the top five with a fast Chevrolet. Sunday’s race will mark Dillon’s 16th Cup start at Phoenix, adding to a resume that includes nine Xfinity races at the track—best finish fourth in 2014—and three Truck Series starts with a best of fourth in 2013. He has amassed 13 top-20 finishes this season, demonstrating persistence and growth.
“I’m excited to go to Phoenix to finish out our year. It’s been a great year with Kaulig Racing. There’s been a lot of highs, and great moments throughout the season. The In-Season tournament was awesome run for our whole program. I’m looking forward to being at Phoenix, probably the site of one of our closest opportunities to win a race earlier this year. It’s a place that I love and I’m looking forward to finishing out the year with a great finish.”
– Ty Dillon, Driver
AJ Allmendinger Unveils Celsius Spritz Vibe Paint Scheme for Phoenix
AJ Allmendinger, guided by Crew Chief Trent Owens, will debut a vibrant new Celsius paint scheme on the No. 16 Camaro ZL1 for the championship weekend. The livery, inspired by the Spritz Vibe limited edition can, features dynamic orange and blue hues echoing the energy of the Celsius brand.
Celsius, celebrated for its zero sugar, vitamin-infused energy and hydration line, powers Allmendinger and his crew through race weekends as Kaulig Racing’s official energy drink partner. Off the track, Allmendinger will appear at the Infield Experience Stage Sunday, November 2, from 10:15 to 10:30 a.m. MT for a Q&A session, offering fans insights into the team’s preparations and his personal reflections.
This season, Allmendinger stands 25th in driver points, accumulating a pole award, two top-five, and seven top-10 finishes, as well as leading 42 laps. His Bristol pole marked a triumphant return to the top starting spot, his first since 2015, demonstrating both hishard work and the team’s improved speed. Allmendinger’s consistency and experience have been invaluable as Kaulig Racing pushes for higher results and builds for the future.
“One to go. Kaulig Racing and our No. 16 group has a lot of positives to take away from this year, even though the results didn’t always show that. As we head to Phoenix, we’re focused on closing out the season with a strong run, continuing to learn and focusing ahead to the off-season and building for 2026.”
– AJ Allmendinger, Driver
Daniel Dye and Champion Container Ready for Xfinity Championship Showdown
The No. 10 Champion Container Chevrolet, prepared by Crew Chief Kevin Walter, will be piloted by Daniel Dye in the Xfinity Series finale. Champion Container, a leader in industrial packaging solutions, partners with Dye for this pivotal race, highlighting its commitment to reliability and service excellence.
Dye brings promise and experience to Phoenix, having made two Xfinity starts at the track with Kaulig Racing. He also holds two entries each in the Craftsman Truck Series and the ARCA Menards Series West at Phoenix, where he earned a top-five finish. Dye’s rookie Cup season with Kaulig was notable for eight top-10 results, a mark of his steady improvement and tenacity on diverse circuits.
“Phoenix is probably my favorite race track. We had a pretty good race there in the spring, but we got off on our strategy, which hindered what should have been a better finish. We’ve worked really hard this season, and hopefully we will go out and have a good result for the final race of the season to cap off a good Xfinity Series career for Kaulig Racing.”
– Daniel Dye, Driver
Brenden Queen Seeks Xfinity Breakthrough with LeafFilter Gutter Protection
Brenden Queen, working under Crew Chief Eddie Pardue, enters Phoenix piloting the No. 11 LeafFilter Gutter Protection Chevrolet. LeafFilter leads the gutter protection market, trusted by over one million homeowners for its debris-blocking patented technology and offers a lifetime warranty.
Phoenix marks Queen’s debut Xfinity start at the track, though he has prior experience in ARCA Menards Series West, finishing second earlier this year after leading 96 laps. Queen and Pardue look to rebound from recent events at Martinsville, building on the team’s momentum and hoping to deliver a fitting tribute to the organization’s legacy paint scheme.
“It’s super cool to be in the OG Leaf Filter scheme for the final race of the season. I grew up watching that car race, long before I got this opportunity. I’m excited to get back to Phoenix, a track where I almost won in the spring, and rebound after Martinsville with my crew chief Eddie [Pardue] and all the No. 11 guys. They brought such a fast car last week, so I don’t see why we can’t do it again this week. The only way I can think of thanking Matt Kaulig for this opportunity would be by trying to get a win in the finale.”
– Brenden Queen, Driver
Christian Eckes, Campers Inn RV Mobile Medic, and a Phoenix Checklist
Christian Eckes, with Crew Chief Alex Yontz, takes control of the No. 16 Campers Inn RV Mobile Medic Chevrolet for the Xfinity Series finale. Campers Inn RV Mobile Medic, Myrtle Beach’s top-rated mobile service for RV owners, provides on-site technical support at races throughout the season.
Eckes has raced once in the Xfinity Series at Phoenix for Kaulig, finishing eighth. His experience at the track in the Truck Series is extensive, tallying one victory, three top-fives, and five top-10 finishes in six career races. As a first-year Kaulig driver, Eckes made impressive strides, posting six top-five and 15 top-10 runs.
“I’m very excited to get to Phoenix this weekend for the final Xfinity Series race of the year. It definitely hasn’t been a perfect season, but I’m proud of the progress we’ve made since the last race there earlier this Spring and look forward to seeing a better effort due to that. I’m so thankful and beyond grateful for the opportunity to drive the No. 16 car this season, and I am prepared to end it on a high note.”
– Christian Eckes, Driver
Fan Interactions and Events Highlight Phoenix Weekend
Kaulig Racing is ensuring an engaging experience for their supporters at Phoenix. In addition to scheduled autograph sessions and Q&As with Ty Dillon and AJ Allmendinger, fans can catch Dillon at the Family Feud game on Friday and at activations across the Midway and merchandise locations on Sunday. Allmendinger’s candid Q&A will provide a closer look at his outlook and preparation for the finale, giving fans insider perspectives on both driver and team.
Building Toward the Future as the Season Closes
With the checkered flag soon to fall at Phoenix Raceway, Kaulig Racing finds itself poised to close out 2025 with enthusiasm and pride in its accomplishments. From strong performances by Allmendinger, Dillon, Dye, Queen, and Eckes to community advocacy and organizational growth, the team has solidified its standing as a key player in NASCAR’s present and future. As soon as the Phoenix dust settles, the focus will shift to off-season preparations with sights already set on an even more successful campaign in 2026, under the leadership of new CEO Chris Rice and backed by loyal partners like Alpine, AFLAC, Celsius, Champion Container, LeafFilter Gutter Protection, and Campers Inn RV Mobile Medic.
