AJ Allmendinger is preparing for his return to the Rolex 24 at Daytona with Acura Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb Agajanian, facing both excitement and concern about his performance in a lineup stacked with racing legends. As Allmendinger gets ready for his 16th start at the iconic endurance race, he is focused on not disappointing team owner Mike Shank and contributing effectively in his GTP-class debut.
Allmendinger Confronts Challenges in GTP Debut
The veteran racer, who has deep experience in NASCAR, will be back at the 24-hour IMSA season opener for the 64th running after last competing in 2021, where he finished fourth overall. This return comes after a four-year break, and this time, he faces the demanding new Acura ARX-06, which he began testing in November with the aim of quickly mastering its complex systems and handling.
Allmendinger will share the No. 60 Acura in the premier GTP division with regulars Colin Braun and Tom Blomqvist. The endurance roster also boasts Scott Dixon, a six-time IndyCar champion, who will add his considerable experience for the long stints, making for an intensely competitive environment within the lineup.
“There’s lots of buttons and it’s tricky to drive. … I’m trying to learn as quick as I can. I don’t want to be the slow guy and let them down. I know I’ll be the weak link, I just don’t want to be the weakest link in the chain,”
AJ Allmendinger said (via imsa.com).
“It’s my job to run good stints and hand the car back off looking the same as it started. I told Mike [Michael Shank, team owner], ‘I don’t want to let you down.’ He said, ‘Ain’t gonna happen, you never have.’”
Longstanding Partnership with Mike Shank
Allmendinger first joined forces with Mike Shank in 2006, beginning a partnership that has delivered major successes, including an overall Rolex 24 victory in 2012 alongside Justin Wilson, Ozz Negri, and John Pew. This strong history adds both motivation and a sense of responsibility for Allmendinger as he returns to the cockpit this year, hoping to honor the legacy they have built together.
Reflecting on a Unique Racing Journey
Beyond his endurance racing credentials, Allmendinger actively competes for Kaulig Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series, driving the No. 16 Chevrolet. Originally an open-wheel racer, he made the shift to stock car racing with Red Bull’s NASCAR operation in 2007 and has carved out a multifaceted career among the world’s top racing disciplines.
Now aged 44, Allmendinger looks back on the road traveled with Mike Shank since their first collaboration in 2005, expressing hope for more starts in the Rolex 24 in the future, even as he faces a challenging field and demanding machinery.
“We ran it January ’06 and it just kind of took off from there. He called me back the next year and it grew for every year straight. It’s been a fun ride and hopefully this isn’t the last one. We’ll see if there’s more,”
AJ Allmendinger said.
A Look to the Upcoming Event and New Talent on the Grid
This year’s Rolex 24 at Daytona will kick off on Saturday, January 24, running through to Sunday afternoon, with the Roar Before the Rolex 24 test sessions scheduled to start on January 16. In addition to Allmendinger’s return, the event will mark the GTP class debut of 19-year-old Trackhouse Racing NASCAR rookie Connor Zilisch, highlighting the blend of experienced veterans and emerging stars set to compete.
Allmendinger’s efforts with Acura Meyer Shank Racing at the Rolex 24 Daytona will not only underscore his adaptability but also demonstrate the importance of trusted partnerships and the ever-present need for learning and resilience at the pinnacle of endurance racing. As the seasoned driver joins a roster of motorsport’s best, his performance at Daytona could shape the future direction of his racing story and that of his teammates and team owner Mike Shank.
