AJ Allmendinger’s performance at the Food City 500 is more than just a ninth-place finish—it’s a symbol of resurgence, resilience, and reward
In a sport where fortunes can change in a heartbeat, Allmendinger’s path is a testament to perseverance and belief.
As the 2025 NASCAR season continues, all eyes will be on the No. 16 Chevrolet. If recent results are any indication, a return to Victory Lane may be closer than anyone expected.
One thing’s for sure—AJ Allmendinger is not just back; he’s back in the game, and he’s playing to win.
As the 2025 NASCAR season progresses, it’s becoming clear that AJ Allmendinger and Kaulig Racing are in a better place than many expected after Daytona.
There’s still work to be done, but the building blocks are solid. With an increasingly driveable car, growing confidence, and a team committed to development, Allmendinger is positioned to keep climbing the leaderboard.
Whether or not he ultimately makes the playoffs, the signs of improvement are undeniable—and that alone is a win in the hyper-competitive world of NASCAR.
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AJ Allmendinger Reflects on Strong Finish at Bristol
Veteran driver AJ Allmendinger had plenty to be proud of after securing a ninth-place finish at the Food City 500, held at the legendary Bristol Motor Speedway.1
For the 43-year-old Kaulig Racing driver, this top-10 result wasn’t just a statistical victory—it was another step forward in what’s shaping up to be a promising comeback season.
With the tight, high-banked short track providing no shortage of drama, Allmendinger held his ground and proved he can still compete among NASCAR’s elite.
Following the race, he reflected on the significance of the run, noting that it wasn’t just about where he finished, but how he got there.
Let’s gooooo @DanielHemric !!!! So pumped and happy for you brother!!!! Hell yes!
— AJ Allmendinger (@AJDinger) March 29, 2025
A Veteran Reclaiming His Groove
Allmendinger’s full-time return to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2025 has been met with curiosity, skepticism, and now—growing optimism.
After stepping away from full-time Cup racing in 2018, Allmendinger spent several seasons competing in the Xfinity Series, where he found considerable success with Kaulig Racing. Now back on the big stage, he’s beginning to turn heads again.
Speaking after Bristol, he emphasized the importance of recent consistency:
“To have three top-10 finishes in the last five races is a big deal for us at Kaulig Racing.”
That kind of statement carries weight. It’s not just a feel-good moment—it’s a reflection of performance growth and team chemistry.
The Cup Series is fiercely competitive, and three top-10s in five races sends a clear message: AJ Allmendinger is no longer just a feel-good comeback story; he’s a contender.
AJ Allmendinger: Kaulig Racing
Building a Contender
Kaulig Racing has made impressive strides in recent years, establishing itself as more than just an Xfinity powerhouse.2
The team’s expansion into the Cup Series is still in its developmental stages, but results like Bristol show the potential for upward mobility.
Allmendinger, who has become the face of the organization’s Cup Series ambitions, credited the team’s progress and determination.
“We were able to run inside the top 12 all day,” he said.
“We got another stage point, which shows we’re consistently running with the front of the field.”
For a team still solidifying its position in NASCAR’s top tier, consistency and points matter just as much as raw speed. It’s all part of laying the groundwork for eventual victories.
Returning to the Short Track Battlefield
Short tracks like Bristol can make or break a season. With close-quarter racing, frequent cautions, and little margin for error, they serve as pressure cookers where only the most composed drivers succeed.
For Allmendinger, Bristol wasn’t just another race—it was a proving ground. His ability to stay within the top 12 for most of the day, battling seasoned veterans and rising stars alike, demonstrated both poise and performance.
It was also the best qualifying effort he’s had at a half-mile track this season, setting the tone early for what would become a standout race.
Momentum is a tricky concept in motorsports. It’s intangible yet critical—especially for teams on the rise. For Allmendinger and Kaulig Racing, the Food City 500 could be the spark that lights a bigger fire.
“We’ll keep building on what we have,” Allmendinger said with determination.
“Knocking out these top-10 finishes and go execute at the races we know we have a shot to win.”
His confidence isn’t misplaced. Momentum doesn’t guarantee a win, but it can help build the mindset and race-day execution needed to get there.
AJ Allmendinger’s 2024 Xfinity Success
Before his full-time return to the Cup Series in 2025, Allmendinger had a strong season in the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series.3
He collected one victory at Las Vegas, added six top-five finishes, and ended the year third in the overall standings.
His Xfinity success not only reinforced his driving ability but also served as a springboard into this new chapter with Kaulig in the Cup Series.
That time away from Cup racing allowed Allmendinger to rebuild his confidence, reset mentally, and sharpen his craft on slightly less intense terrain.
Now, he brings that refined experience back to the Cup level—with results already starting to show.
Age is Just a Number: The 43-Year-Old’s Revival
At 43, Allmendinger may be one of the older drivers in the field, but his competitive fire burns just as hot as ever.
Unlike some veterans who fade into the background late in their careers, he’s pushing forward with the energy of a rookie and the wisdom of a seasoned pro.
His experience has become an asset. He knows how to manage equipment, navigate multi-groove tracks like Bristol, and make smart decisions that maximize results.
These aren’t things learned overnight—they’re earned over years, through both triumph and heartbreak.
AJ Allmendinger: “We’re in the Ball Game”
The phrase “in the ball game” may sound modest, but coming from Allmendinger, it carries conviction.
His statement reflects a deeper belief that he and Kaulig Racing aren’t far from breaking into the win column.
Given the team’s performance trends and the driver’s growing confidence, it’s not a matter of if they can win—it’s when.
With more strong showings, especially at road courses and short tracks where Allmendinger historically excels, a victory could very well be in the cards this season.
What’s Next for the No. 16 Team?
Looking ahead, Kaulig Racing and Allmendinger have several races circled on their calendar.
Tracks like Martinsville, Sonoma, and Watkins Glen are expected to play to his strengths, particularly the road courses where he’s been a force in both Cup and Xfinity over the years.
The key for Allmendinger will be continuing to qualify well and maintain track position throughout races. His ability to collect stage points and avoid mistakes will be vital if he hopes to lock himself into the playoffs.
A Recharged Driver, A Hungry Team
There’s a different energy around Allmendinger this season. It’s the combination of gratitude, belief, and unfinished business. Having stepped away from full-time Cup racing once, he knows how precious the opportunity is. He’s not taking it for granted—and neither is his team.
Kaulig Racing, still carving out its place among the sport’s giants, sees Allmendinger as the perfect veteran leader to guide their vision. He brings not only skill but also a fierce sense of competition and leadership that rubs off on everyone around him.
Allmendinger has always been a fan favorite—charismatic, honest, and emotional. His resurgence is drawing plenty of attention not just from the media, but from fans who appreciate a good underdog narrative.
Seeing a veteran excel after years away from full-time Cup action adds a layer of human interest that transcends race results.
With each strong finish, more fans are tuning in, cheering him on, and hoping he reaches Victory Lane once again.
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AJ Allmendinger Weighs In on Signs of Improvement for the 2025 NASCAR Season
AJ Allmendinger’s return to full-time NASCAR Cup Series racing in 2025 hasn’t gone unnoticed.
After a shaky start at Daytona, the veteran driver has steadily shown signs of resurgence.
With notable performances, three top-10 finishes, and clear enhancements to the Kaulig Racing setup, Allmendinger is optimistic about the direction the team is heading.
The 2025 season opened with high hopes for Allmendinger, but the Daytona 500 proved to be a frustrating beginning.
A DNF (Did Not Finish) in the sport’s most prestigious race was not how the Kaulig Racing driver envisioned starting his campaign. Daytona’s chaotic superspeedway nature often breeds unpredictability, and Allmendinger found himself on the wrong side of it.
However, that initial disappointment did not set the tone for the rest of the season. Instead, it appeared to ignite a determination to prove the team’s potential.
Flashes of Speed at Key Tracks
Following the Daytona setback, Allmendinger rebounded with solid performances across multiple circuits.
At Atlanta and Las Vegas, the No. 16 car displayed impressive pace. Though he didn’t always finish inside the top 10, his ability to run competitively in traffic and maintain speed throughout long green-flag runs highlighted an important shift—Kaulig Racing was closing the gap.
Homestead-Miami and Bristol were especially encouraging. These are tracks that demand precision and handling, and Allmendinger was able to bring both to the table.
His performance at Bristol, in particular, revealed the car’s ability to hold up under pressure in one of NASCAR’s most physically demanding races.
As of now, Allmendinger sits 16th in the Cup Series standings—right on the playoff bubble. While this doesn’t guarantee a postseason berth, it shows the kind of consistency needed to contend throughout the 36-race calendar.
In a field where tenths of a second can separate the front-runners from the midfield, finding stability early in the season can make all the difference.
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AJ Allmendinger: The Importance of Consistent Top-10 Finishes
While wins are the ultimate goal, consistent top-10 finishes are the lifeblood of any playoff-bound campaign.
Allmendinger’s three top-10s this season point toward a car that can compete across multiple track types. Whether it’s a high-speed intermediate like Las Vegas or a technical oval like Bristol, the No. 16 has been in the mix.
The key going forward will be converting those top-10s into top-5s, or even victories. With superspeedways, short tracks, and road courses still to come, Allmendinger will have multiple opportunities to strike.
Eyeing a Breakout at Talladega
The next stop on the calendar is Talladega Superspeedway on April 27—a track where chaos and opportunity go hand in hand.
Superspeedway races often act as great equalizers, allowing teams without elite speed to contend through strategy and drafting.
For Allmendinger, it’s the perfect opportunity to capitalize on the momentum and potentially break into the top 12 in points.
While he’s not traditionally viewed as a superspeedway ace, his experience and patience could prove valuable in navigating Talladega’s trademark unpredictability.
Road Course Advantage Yet to Come
One area where Allmendinger could really make a mark this season is on the road courses. A former winner at the Charlotte ROVAL and with a strong road racing pedigree, he will be a contender whenever the Cup Series turns left and right.
Tracks like Sonoma, Chicago Street Course, and Watkins Glen present realistic opportunities for Allmendinger to secure a win and lock himself into the playoffs.
With Kaulig Racing showing improvement on ovals, any gains on road courses will only enhance their overall competitiveness.
Veteran Leadership in a Young Team
Part of Allmendinger’s value to Kaulig extends beyond the driver’s seat. He’s a veteran presence in a team still carving out its identity.
His leadership—on the track and in the garage—helps shape the team’s approach to preparation, race strategy, and in-race adjustments.
Having a seasoned voice like his is invaluable for a team looking to break into NASCAR’s top tier. With Allmendinger leading the charge, Kaulig has the foundation to become a consistent playoff threat.
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