AJ Allmendinger, a familiar face in endurance racing, is set for a much-anticipated AJ Allmendinger Rolex 24 return with Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) for the upcoming Rolex 24 at Daytona, bringing passion and experience back to the team. The newly announced lineup brings together Allmendinger and some of MSR’s strongest drivers for this iconic Florida endurance event, promising intense competition and deep-rooted connections among the squad.
MSR Unveils Driver Roster for Daytona Race
Meyer Shank Racing with Curb-Agajanian revealed its Rolex 24 lineup, naming a mix of seasoned drivers and welcoming Allmendinger back to the group. Tom Blomqvist and Colin Braun will continue their roles as full-time drivers of the No. 60 Acura, following prior announcements. Notably, Scott Dixon, renowned six-time NTT IndyCar Series champion, will also return as part of MSR’s endurance campaign.
The upcoming event is particularly significant for Allmendinger, who will compete in the Acura ARX-06 for the first time. This marks not only his return to MSR but also his debut in a GTP car powered by a hybrid system, representing a new challenge in his accomplished racing career.
Deep Bonds within the Team
Allmendinger’s relationship with MSR—and especially with co-owner Mike Shank—runs deeper than simple professional ties. In his own words,
“Mike Shank is one of the most important people in my life,”
AJ Allmendinger, Driver
“He’s one of my best friends and a brother to me. I’ve missed driving for him at the Rolex 24 and feel so fortunate to get another opportunity. The race has always been one of my favorites and I can’t wait to get there!”
AJ Allmendinger, Driver
The admiration goes both ways, as Mike Shank emphasizes the excitement and affection surrounding Allmendinger’s return:
“I can’t say enough about how happy it makes me to bring AJ back to the team for his 16th Rolex 24 with MSR,”
Mike Shank, Co-Owner
“He is the definition of a professional race car driver and can do it all behind the wheel. Not only is he a great racer, he’s also like a brother to me, and to have his energy back on the team is really exciting. It’s a huge challenge for anyone to come in and learn to drive GTP cars, but I can’t wait to get him going!”
Mike Shank, Co-Owner
Allmendinger’s Endurance Racing Legacy
Allmendinger’s history with Meyer Shank Racing extends well before his NASCAR Cup Series days, first teaming up in the 2006 Rolex 24 at Daytona. Paired with Oswaldo Negri Jr., Mark Patterson, and Justin Wilson in that event, he finished an impressive second overall in a Riley Mk. XI powered by Lexus.
Since then, the Rolex 24 has been a fixture in Allmendinger’s career, tallying 16 sports car starts—15 at Daytona and one at Indianapolis, all with MSR. Among his achievements, Allmendinger claimed outright victory at the 2012 Rolex 24 alongside Negri, Wilson, and John Pew. Additional overall podiums came in 2006, 2012, and 2013, and he added another highlight with a second-place GTD class finish in 2018 while driving the Acura NSX GT3.
Allmendinger’s most recent IMSA outing was the 2021 Rolex 24, where he first raced a DPi Acura ARX-05. The 2024 event will see him adapt to the ARX-06, facing a learning curve with the hybrid powerplant and evolving racing technology.
Recent and Returning Drivers Build Strong MSR Lineup
Blomqvist and Braun, MSR’s regular pairing, completed the previous season seventh in GTP class points, highlighted by overall victory at Watkins Glen and a runner-up finish at last year’s Rolex 24. Their consistent results reflect MSR’s competitive form and experience heading into the marquee endurance race.
Developments Across MSR’s Other Programs
In addition to the No. 60 Acura, MSR’s No. 93 car will feature full-timers Renger van der Zande and Nick Yelloly. Four-time IndyCar Series champion Alex Palou is set to join them for a limited three-race schedule, covering Daytona, Sebring, and Road Atlanta. Meanwhile, Kakunoshin Ohta will take on Daytona and Watkins Glen, representing a slight reduction from his three-race involvement with the No. 93 in the prior year.
Van der Zande and Yelloly closed out the last season fifth in standings, securing a meaningful victory on Detroit’s city streets, with additional podiums at Sebring and Road America. This lineup demonstrates MSR’s ambition and breadth for the 2024 endurance racing season.
Implications for the Upcoming Season
The return of AJ Allmendinger promises to bring energy, skill, and deep personal investment to Meyer Shank Racing’s Rolex 24 campaign, where team bonds run as deep as their competitive drive. Facing a fresh challenge with the hybrid-powered Acura ARX-06, Allmendinger’s continued partnership with Mike Shank and the MSR family signifies both loyalty and a readiness to embrace evolving racing technology. As the race approaches, all eyes will be on this dynamic lineup, with the potential for standout performances and emotional moments at the storied Daytona International Speedway.
