2025 has been a significant year for NASCAR fans. It feels like the coming-of-age of the sport. On March 17, 2025, Josh Berry secured his first Cup Series win. It also makes the 101st win for Wood Brothers Racing, the oldest team in the sport, which had won its last match in 2017 at the Pocono 400. While the sport accepts veterans from other motorsports like Hélio Castroneves to garner views, it’s good to see veteran NASCAR drivers coming forward to take the crown. One such seasoned driver is looking quite sure to get a break in the Cup series playoffs. But the path he has taken to reach here is all-encompassing.

A few years ago, AJ Allmendinger was the road course ringer everyone wanted, but few expected to contend week in and week out. From open-wheel roots to a Cup Series win at Watkins Glen in 2014 and a triumphant return at the Charlotte Roval in the Next Gen era, AJ’s journey has been anything but ordinary. Once seen as a part-time threat with Kaulig Racing, Allmendinger now finds himself writing a surprising new chapter in 2025. With a seasoned crew chief back in his corner and a spark of early-season consistency, “the Dinger” is making noise where few expected him to. The question now isn’t whether AJ can run well; it’s whether Chevrolet’s so-called “B-Team” might actually crash the playoff party.

AJ Allmendinger’s unexpected rise in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series

AJ Allmendinger has emerged as a surprising contender in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series. Initially, many, including analyst Eric Estepp, predicted Allmendinger would secure a playoff spot through a road course win. Estepp noted, “I picked AJ Allmendinger to make the Cup Series playoffs, not on points, but because he’d win a road course race.” However, Allmendinger’s consistent performance on various track types has positioned him 16th in the regular-season standings, exceeding expectations. And ironically, he is yet to win a race in the season, something which everyone expected him to.

Kaulig Racing’s strategic moves have significantly contributed to this success. The addition of veteran crew chief Trent Owens to the No. 16 team has strengthened its performance. Estepp highlighted, “Trent Owens is now the number 16 team crew chief. He and AJ Allmendinger were both at JTG Daugherty around the same time.” This ‘reunion’ has revitalized the team’s dynamics, leading to notable results.

Trent Owens and A.J. Allmendinger worked around the same time between 2017 and 2018 at JTG Daugherty Racing. Owens was the crew chief for Chris Buescher in the No. 37 car from 2017 to 2021, while Allmendinger drove the No. 47 car from 2014 to 2018. During Allmendinger’s tenure, he achieved notable success, including JTG Daugherty’s first win at Watkins Glen in 2014. Allmendinger’s best season was in 2014, when he finished 13th in the points standings, the highest in the team’s history at that time.

Allmendinger’s adaptability has been evident on high-speed intermediate tracks, traditionally challenging for Kaulig Racing. Estepp observed, “We’re not used to seeing Kaulig contend like that.” At the Pennzoil 400 in Las Vegas, Allmendinger secured an eighth-place finish, demonstrating the team’s improved competitiveness on diverse circuits. He remarked, “I thought we had a really, really good Action Industries Chevy. Overall, I was happy with our race today.”

Looking ahead, Allmendinger has multiple opportunities to secure a playoff spot on a race-win basis. There are several road courses remaining in the regular season. Estepp pointed out, “But we still have Sonoma, Mexico City, Chicago, Watkins-Glenn is a regular season race once more. Five chances. Given Allmendinger’s track record, including a previous win in the Next-Gen era at the Roval, these upcoming races present viable opportunities for success.

Kaulig Racing’s strategic decisions, including reuniting Allmendinger with Owens and focusing on road course strengths, have positioned the team as a formidable contender. As the season progresses, Allmendinger’s performance will be pivotal in determining the team’s trajectory and potential playoff berth. But where are we going next?

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Packing bags for Bristol when hopes soar high

As Kaulig Racing and AJ Allmendinger prepare for the Ford City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway, they draw inspiration from past successes. Allmendinger has a storied history at Bristol, particularly in the Xfinity Series. In 2021, he won the thrilling Food City 300, dramatically securing the Xfinity regular-season championship. Remember his crash with Austin Cindric on the final lap?

Allmendinger’s experience at Bristol includes multiple top-10 finishes in both the Xfinity and Cup Series. He has led laps and demonstrated his adaptability on the track’s unique concrete surface. With an average finish of around the mid-pack in Cup Series races at Bristol, Allmendinger aims to improve upon these results with the support of his crew chief, Trent Owens.

Kaulig Racing’s strategic approach to Bristol involves leveraging Allmendinger’s road course expertise and applying those skills to the high-banked oval. The team has shown resilience and determination in overcoming challenges, as seen in their Xfinity Series victories. This mindset will be crucial as they tackle the demanding Bristol layout.

The partnership between Allmendinger and Owens has been pivotal in Kaulig Racing’s growth. Owens’ experience and tactical acumen have helped refine the team’s performance, particularly in high-pressure situations like those often encountered at Bristol.

As the Ford City 500 approaches, Allmendinger and Kaulig Racing are focused on translating their past successes into a strong showing at Bristol. With a mix of experience and strategic planning, they aim to overcome the challenges of this iconic track and secure a top finish (a win would be the best!)