NASCAR followers are comparatively acquainted with AJ Allmendinger, who has been a significant a part of the sequence since 2007, however his path to racing inventory vehicles was by no means actually a straight line, nor was it initially aimed toward this specific sequence in any respect. What might be thought of a sequence of course-correcting occasions, most attention-grabbing and finally thought of lucky throughout his profession, would finally land the gifted driver but a fourth run on the Cup sequence championship in 2025, as introduced earlier this week.
It was clear that Allmendinger was a pure expertise from a younger age. Beginning on BMX bikes, he’d rapidly make a reputation for himself as a two-time champion within the Worldwide Kart Federation. He adopted his championships with a fast rise within the American open-wheel ladder sequence—profitable the 2003 Champ Automotive Atlantic title earlier than becoming a member of Champ Automotive in 2004 (the nightmarish IRL/CART break up was nonetheless ongoing at the moment). Pink Bull had additionally rapidly signed the younger driver on as a model consultant. Allmendinger would dedicate three years to Champ Automotive, honing his expertise earlier than he received 5 races within the 2006 season. It appeared like he was properly on his technique to changing into one of many prime open-wheel racers within the nation. However very like what we’ll see as a little bit of a pattern along with his profession, what gave the impression to be one strong course trajectory would rapidly change.
Victory podium: Justin Wilson, A.J. Allmendinger and Sébastien Bourdais
Photograph by: Kurt Dahlstrom
Becoming a member of Pink Bull’s NASCAR enterprise
Pink Bull was in its early years of entering into the enterprise of working race groups as a substitute of sponsoring them, and launched its Method 1 operation in 2005. A 12 months later, they took on the world of NASCAR. They’d signal their Pink Bull athlete, Allmendinger in October 0f 2006 to go inventory automotive racing, with Guenther Steiner becoming a member of because the technical director. Allmendinger was excited for this profession pivot going into his rookie season.
“To race towards a number of the finest drivers on this planet in entrance of followers which can be as smitten by racing as I’m goes to be a fairly large thrill,” he stated. “I do know that is going to be plenty of work within the upcoming months, however I could not be happier to do it with Staff Pink Bull. Hopefully, we are able to all exit and ship a very good present.”
Sadly, destiny had different plans, that resulted in catastrophe. Allmendinger did not qualify for the primary 4 races of the 2007 season, together with the season-opening Daytona 500 after crashing out in qualifying. His teammate, Brian Vickers, wasn’t faring significantly better. Driving the No. 84 Pink Bull Toyota Camry, Allmendinger did not make the large present in 19 of 36 races — over half the 12 months.
The vehicles have been simply gradual, however NASCAR was set to introduce a radically totally different race automotive partway by the 2007 season earlier than absolutely shifting to it in 2008. That is when the cereal field with a wing referred to as the “Automotive of Tomorrow” took over NASCAR’s prime division. Whereas Vickers started to indicate enchancment, catching on to the brand new automotive was nonetheless proving tough for an open-wheel driver like Allmendinger. His incapability to beat the curve on studying the automotive discovered him quickly changed by veteran Mike Skinner, and they’d share the automotive all through the 2008 season.
It was Could of that 12 months when a glimmer of hope lastly emerged for Allmendinger when he certified for NASCAR’s annual All-Star Race by way of a victory in what was then referred to as the Dash Showdown. It did not pay any factors, but it surely was a much-needed confidence increase for the ailing driver. Later that 12 months, he earned a career-best end of ninth at Kansas. Issues have been simply starting to show round when—like his profession trajectory was identified to do— every part modified once more. He was let go from the Pink Bull effort.
Brian Vickers and A.J. Allmendinger
Photograph by: Motorsport.com / ASP Inc.
In 2009, he returned to inventory automotive racing with a chip on his shoulder and one thing to show. And there was bother earlier than the season even began. Because the recession took maintain of the nation, partnerships like Petty Enterprises merging with Gillett Evernham Motorsports have been taking form. The rebranded effort turned Richard Petty Motorsports, however the determination over who could be in what seat was sophisticated. A authorized kerfuffle ensued and Allmendinger would not get to drive the No. 19 Dodge as deliberate. He ended up driving the No. 44 Valvoline-backed entry.
Luck and fortune determined to alter in his favor although, as Allmendinger got here out of the gate swinging, ending third within the Daytona 500 after lacking it in back-to-back years. It was the fourth-best exhibiting ever by a debutant in NASCAR’s largest race. Sadly, it was his solely top-five of the 12 months.
The staff shifted from Dodge to Ford, and Allmendinger then piloted the long-lasting No. 43 for the 2010 season. It was his finest season but, ending the 12 months forward of each of his teammates within the championship standings [19th].Issues solely improved in 2011 and it appeared like he was on the cusp of changing into a NASCAR Cup Collection star. A minimum of Roger Penske definitely thought so. Penske signed Allmendinger for 2012, putting him behind the wheel of the No. 22 Shell/Pennzoil Dodge. He’d show his driving prowess earlier than the season even started, competing in and profitable total on the largest endurance race within the US, the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona, after an excellent battle with Le Mans 24 champion Allan McNish. It was a excessive level for Allmendinger’s profession, which might quickly be adopted by the bottom.
A horrible mistake
On the NASCAR facet, there was no fast success. Whereas his teammate Brad Keselowski was on monitor to changing into the 2012 champion, Allmendinger was drowning within the midfield. In August, he was indefinitely suspended after failing a random drug check. He examined optimistic for an amphetamine, which he later revealed to be Adderall. He claimed he did not know what it was when it was provided to him, believing it to be an “power tablet.” He had been feeling drained and a good friend had provided it to him earlier than the Cup race at Kentucky.
A.J. Allmendinger, Penske Racing Dodge
Photograph by: Motion Sports activities Images
He was consequently launched as the driving force of the No. 22 Penske automotive and his total life had been utterly upended. What do you do when you could have nowhere else to go? You go dwelling. For Allmendinger, his previous dwelling was open-wheel racing. And though his NASCAR profession hit a significant setback, his time at Penske was not.
A near-fairytale comeback
Allmendinger was going IndyCar racing with the very staff compelled to sideline him from his day job in NASCAR. With backing from The Captain (Roger Penske) himself, Allmendinger entered his first Indianapolis 500 in 2013. He did a sensational job, qualifying fifth and main 23 laps in what was shaping as much as be the comeback match for the storybooks. Besides, then his belts got here undone. He was compelled to have a prolonged green-flag cease to safe his seatbelts. Pitting from the lead on Lap 113/200, the 12.6s cease that adopted value him dearly. He nonetheless rallied to complete seventh, and was invited to make just a few extra begins with the Penske IndyCar staff that 12 months.
Helio Castroneves in A.J. Allmendinger’s automotive
Photograph by: Jay Alley
However the California native wasn’t accomplished with inventory vehicles, both. With each tenacity and stubbornness, he refused to surrender on NASCAR. He drove part-time for James Finch on the Cup stage. Then, Penske would supply him a shot in profitable tools within the NASCAR Xfinity Collection. With two races within the Penske Xfinity automotive, Allmendinger definitely didn’t wish to waste it. He led half the race at Highway America, profitable from pole place, then received once more at Mid-Ohio in an much more dominant exhibiting, going 2-0! He lastly confirmed the inventory automotive racing world what he was actually able to, they usually definitely took discover.
Good issues come to those that wait
In 2014, Allmendinger was set to run the complete Cup schedule with JTG-Daugherty Racing, having an actual likelihood to contend for the win when the sequence arrived at Watkins Glen that 12 months. Nonetheless, standing between him and the checkered flag was NASCAR’s mid-2010’s model of Shane van Gisbergen. This was one other Australian Supercars champ who had made a house in NASCAR, and received two of the final three Cup races at Watkins Glen — Marcos Ambrose.
The race got here right down to a two-lap sprint to the end. Ambrose moved Allmendinger as they entered the carousel and had all of the momentum on nook exit. Allmendinger, having trudged by seven years of wrestle and setbacks, was not going to let anybody take this opportunity away from him. He leaned on Ambrose, practically pushing him into the grass as they raced in the direction of the white flag. However he cleared him and by no means appeared again. With over 200 begins to his title, Allmendinger might lastly say he was a winner within the NASCAR Cup Collection! It was additionally the primary Cup win for JTG, who later signed Allmendinger for a large five-year contract.
Race winner A.J. Allmendinger, JTG Daugherty Racing Chevrolet
Photograph by: Motion Sports activities Images
A single-car staff in trendy NASCAR isn’t a simple journey, and regardless of reaching victory at Watkins Glen, the next years have been tough for the No. 47 staff. With two years left on his contract, Allmendinger and JTG parted methods following the 2018 season.
“No one likes shedding their journey,” Allmendinger stated after the information broke. “However the extra time I sit and give it some thought and discuss it with my household, actually a 12 months and a half, it hasn’t been enjoyable. We’ve struggled. It’s arduous on everyone. This 12 months I’ve most likely been a unique individual on the race monitor and at dwelling. The potential of not having a paycheck coming may be scary, however change can be an excellent factor, and I believe it is going to be.”
Seeing that his driving profession could have lastly reached an finish, Allmendinger signed a deal to turn into a part of the NBC Sports activities broadcast staff, primarily specializing in IMSA.
He had no thought, however Allmendinger’s NASCAR profession was the furthest factor from over. He agreed to run a handful of NASCAR Xfinity races with Kaulig Racing in 2019, which served to be the start of an unbelievable partnership. It did not get off to the perfect begin, although. He was disqualified for a technical infraction in his first two races with the staff. It wasn’t till his fifth and last begin of the 12 months on the Charlotte Roval when he and Kaulig have been in a position to put all of it collectively. He was victorious, incomes himself a seat working in much more races the next 12 months.
Race winner A.J. Allmendinger, Kaulig Racing, Chevrolet Camaro
Photograph by: John Harrelson / NKP / Motorsport Images
The camaraderie between Allmendinger and the Kaulig Racing group was evident although, and his profession as a broadcaster was rapidly placed on maintain. In 2020, he earned his first-ever NASCAR oval win, taking the checkered flag within the NASCAR Xfinity race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The victory certified him for the Dash4Cash, amassing the $100,000 bonus within the subsequent race at Homestead. Later within the 12 months, he went back-to-back on the Charlotte Roval. His efforts earned him a full-time journey with Kaulig Racing for the 2021 NASCAR Xfinity Collection season, in addition to a part-time journey within the Cup Collection. His mantra was a easy one — ‘Trophy looking.’
Allmendinger was actually again and extra motivated than ever earlier than. He received 5 Xfinity races, doing so on each ovals and highway programs. He even superior into the Championship 4, however missed out on the title. He could have solely ran 5 Cup races, however he definitely made probably the most of it. On the Indianapolis Highway Course, chaos unfolded on the entrance of the sphere, however whereas the leaders clashed and penalties flew, Allmendinger was sitting within the excellent place to capitalize. He earned Kaulig Racing their first Cup win in a stunning upset, kissing the bricks on the most legendary of race tracks.
“I simply received Indy!” he exclaimed after the race. In a time the place destiny was kinder, he might have stated those self same phrases after an Indianapolis 500 triumph, however regardless of the race, profitable at IMS nonetheless felt simply as candy.
Watch: Allmendinger: ‘We simply received at Indy … let’s go!’
He loved one other 5 NASCAR Xfinity wins in 2022 and expanded his Cup schedule to half a season. And now at over 40 years of age, he reveals no indicators of slowing down.
He returned to full-time NASCAR Cup motion in 2023—a primary time in 5 years. He earned his third profession Cup win through the playoffs on the Charlotte Roval. He is at all times been a high-energy individual, however the emotion he confirmed after that victory made everybody a fan. He screamed over the radio and might be heard weeping all through the cool-down lap. He was nonetheless in tears when conducting a post-race interview on the frontstretch with NBC Sports activities.
“This is the reason you do it. That is the one purpose you do it,” stated a tearful Allmendinger then. “You struggle. All of the blood, sweat, tears … I often give these checkered flags away however I’ll must wrap this round (my son) Aero. My mother and pa, all my household and mates, these individuals see how a lot anguish and the way a lot I put it on my shoulders after we’re struggling. It simply means the world.”
Watch: Feelings overflow as AJ Allmendinger wins on the Roval
He continued to stack up victories within the Xfinity Collection as properly, reaching 17 whole by the top of 2023. No different driver has extra NXS wins than him through the 2020s. He had lastly discovered an actual dwelling in NASCAR, however the surprises weren’t over simply but.
Allmendinger was moved again down into the Xfinity Collection by Kaulig Racing for 2023. He admitted that “my choice was to remain in Cup,” however he was keen to do regardless of the staff requested of him. He went on to say that Kaulig “actually saved my happiness (in) my racing profession.”
Whereas the decision baffled many, Kaulig said the choice was not a demotion, however relatively extra about making an attempt to develop and enhance the complete group. Allmendinger, thus far, is winless this 12 months, which hasn’t occurred since 2018. However, on Thursday of this week, Kaulig Racing revealed that Allmendinger will make his fourth return to full-time NASCAR Cup Collection motion in 2025. He’ll get an opportunity to struggle once more, including yet one more chapter to his whirlwind 20-plus 12 months profession contending with the sequence.
