AJ Allmendinger Xfinity Return: After a solid run in the NASCAR Cup Series last year, AJ Allmendinger, who concluded the 2023 season with a 21st-place finish in the standings and clinched a significant victory, is shifting gears. Despite running an impressive total of 430 Cup races since his debut in 2007 and securing three memorable wins during that span (at Watkins Glen in 2014, Indy RC in 2021, and the Charlotte Roval in 2023), Kaulig Racing announced on Thursday that the 42-year-old driver will be making a return to the Xfinity Series next season.
Allmendinger boasts remarkable success in NASCAR’s secondary division, with 17 wins achieved in just 98 starts. His consistent performance placed him in the top-five of the championship standings for both 2021 and 2022. Chris Rice, the team president, expressed confidence in Allmendinger’s return, stating, We feel AJ returning full time to our Xfinity Series program gives us the best chance to continue growing our organization as a whole. Hes passionate, hes aggressive, and he pushes us to keep getting better. Were excited to see what we can accomplish in the 2024 season on both the Xfinity and Cup side.
Notably, Kaulig Racing has clinched two Cup-level victories, both credited to Allmendinger. Additionally, he holds responsibility for the lion’s share of their 23 Xfinity victories. Matt Kaulig, the team owner, acknowledged Allmendinger’s profound impact beyond his wins, emphasizing, To Kaulig Racing, AJ is much more than the trophies hes won or the banners hes hung in our shop. AJ has always embraced what we are trying to do as an organization, and his contribution to the culture at Kaulig Racing is what truly makes him forever a part of our family.
The shake-up means that Kaulig will see an entirely revamped Cup lineup for the upcoming 2024 season. With Justin Haley’s departure to Rick Ware Racing, Daniel Hemric will take over the No. 31 Chevrolet. Details surrounding the No. 16 entry remain unconfirmed, leaving room for speculation that it could revert to an all-star car, fielding various drivers throughout the year.
While Allmendinger will tackle a partial Cup schedule next year, the specifics of his schedule are yet to be finalized. My plans for 2024 have always been whatever Matt Kaulig and Chris Rice think is best for the team, remarked Allmendinger in a statement released by the team. Weve got work to do on both our Xfinity and Cup side as we continue to grow, but I think we are putting ourselves in the best position to keep improving. With Josh Williams coming on board, itll be fun to learn each others driving styles and work together as teammates on Saturdays. Im excited to be a part of everything were working on at Kaulig Racing and see what we can get done next season.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Will AJ Allmendinger race in 2024?
Kaulig Racing has revealed that A.J. Allmendinger will be taking the wheel of the No. 16 Cup car at the 2024 Daytona 500. Allmendinger has been a full-time member of the Kaulig Racing team since the 2021 season, where he made his debut in the Xfinity Series. This exciting announcement is sure to have fans eagerly anticipating the upcoming race.
Why did AJ Allmendinger leave Penske?
Roger Penske, the owner of the car, has terminated the services of A.J. Allmendinger. This decision was made after the driver was suspended for violating NASCAR’s substance abuse policy.
Where is AJ Allmendinger going?
Kaulig Racing has confirmed that AJ Allmendinger will be making a comeback to the Xfinity Series in 2024. Allmendinger had previously joined the team on a part-time basis in 2019 and later moved up to the Cup Series in 2023. Unfortunately, his return to the Cup Series didn’t go as expected, resulting in his return to the Xfinity Series.
Who will replace AJ Allmendinger?
It seems that Ty Dillon is set to take over for A.J. Allmendinger in the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season, although the team has yet to make an official announcement. Nonetheless, all signs point to this being a done deal.
