AJ Allmendinger returning to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2023

AJ Allmendinger will drive the No. 2023 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet Camaro in 16 with Justin Haley as his teammate. This season the No. 16 was shared by several drivers including Allmendinger, Noah Gragson and Daniel Hemric.

This return to the premier discipline is a fair reward for the 40-year-old Californian who had to leave the Cup at the end of 2018 to find refuge in the Xfinity Series, the second division of the NASCAR. A luxury freelancer for Kaulig Racing on certain Cup Series rounds since last season, he gave the team its first victory in 2021 at Indianapolis.

AJ Allmendinger gave Kaulig Racing its first Cup victory in 2021 at Indianapolis © Stacy Revere/Getty Images

After a brilliant career in Champcar and Indycar which saw him sign 4 victories and finish 3rd in the Championship in 2006, Allmendinger decided to take the plunge into NASCAR in 2007 in the wake of his partner Red Bull pour les grands débuts dans la discipline de la marque japonaise Toyota. Après deux saisons compliquées, notamment en raison du développement de la rétive Camry, Allmendinger avait trouvé refuge chez Richard Petty Motorsports. Intégré en 2012 dans les rangs de la prestigieuse Team Penske, AJ voit sa saison brutalement interrompue par un test positif aux amphétamines. Suspendu en juillet après avoir reconnu l’ingestion d’un complément énergétique prohibé, il intègre le programme de réhabilitation de la NASCAR et voit sa suspension levée en septembre. N’ayant aucune opportunité en Cup, il décide de descendre en division inférieure et brille à nouveau, ce qui lui permet de revenir en 2014 chez JTG Daugherty à qui Allmendinger offre une victoire sur le circuit routier de Watkins Glen. 4 saisons décevantes suivront qui poussent le pilote à accepter l’offre de Kaulig Racing de redescendre à nouveau d’une division. Après 2 saison brillantes à temps partiel, Allmendinger est titularisé pour la saison en 2020.

First of his two Cup victories at Watkins Glen in 2014 © Mark Wilson/Getty Images

This promotion follows Allmendinger's good season in the Infinity Series where, finally committed full-time, he is still in contention for the title after signing his fourth victory last weekend at Talladega. His all too rare appearances in the Cup have also proven that in all circumstances he can play for victory. Let's hope the roller coaster stabilizes and this brilliant pilot can finally find the stability he's been missing so much. It's never too late to shine in NASCAR.

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