AJ Allmendinger highlights varying expectations between NASCAR tiers

AJ Allmendinger has detailed the differences between racing in the Xfinity Series and Cup Series. The Kaulig Racing driver said that the expectations change for the driver depending on the series that they racing in.

Allmendinger has had a career extending into open-wheel racing, sports cars, and NASCAR. In the 2006 Champ Car season, Allmendinger secured five wins and a third-place finish in the standings. Since his debut in NASCAR, he has built up a reputation for being a menace at road courses and for his adaptability across various racing disciplines. In the Xfinity Series, Allmendinger has amassed 18 victories with notable wins at Watkins Glen, the Charlotte Roval and Indianapolis Road Course.

Before he joined Kaulig Racing on a long-term contract, he had stints with Team Red Bull, Richard Petty Motorsports, Team Penske, and JTG Daughterty Racing.

In a video talking about his time with Kaulig Racing on its X account, AJ Allmendinger highlighted the difference in expectations in the two series that the team competes in, the Xfinity Series and Cup Series. He said that in the Xfinity Series, he is expected to win the race, whereas a mid-field finish can be seen as a “good” result for in the Cup.

He also highlighted that this is not the echelon that Kaulig wants to remain at, but currently being above the playoff cut-off line is a good start to the season.

"In the Xfinity Series, we're expected to go win races and try to win the championship. In the Cup Series, you know, there's certain weekends that 15th, 20th place, that's a great weekend for us. I've enjoyed this year, just in the short amount of time that we've had so far, working with Ty Dillon on the Cup side of it. That's been a fun teammate to have."

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After the race at the Talladega Superspeedway, the driver of the #16 for Kaulig Racing is sitting 15th in the standings with 216 points, with three top-10 finishes. His best finish came at Homestead Miami, where he secured seventh place.

AJ Allmendinger credits Richard Childress' grandson for fortifying the Kaulig-RCR alliance

AJ Allmendinger has praised Ty Dillon, Richard Childress’ grandson, for playing a crucial role in strengthening the alliance between Kaulig Racing and Richard Childress Racing (RCR) during the 2025 NASCAR season.

According to Allmendinger, Dillon’s presence and close relationship with his brother Austin Dillon have helped bring the two organizations together, fostering greater collaboration and operational synergy.

"Him [Ty Dillon] and Austin [Dillon] are brothers and more than anything, that has tied our race teams together more. Which is what we’ve needed to do. Ty has brought a lot, and it’s just the additions that both organizations have made. A few of the Stewart-Haas guys that came over to RCR and Mike Cook [technical director] from SHR that came over to Kaulig," AJ Allmendinger said (via Kickin' the Tires).

He also credited recent personnel additions from Stewart-Haas Racing, including technical director Mike Cook, for further enhancing the partnership’s effectiveness.

About the author

Born and raised in Pune, India, where a strong emphasis on education instilled in me a lifelong love of learning. My academic journey led me to Amity University in Noida, where I earned my Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication. This foundation in communication arts ignited a passion for storytelling and a keen understanding of audience engagement.

The allure of cinematic storytelling further captivated me, prompting me to pursue a Master's degree in Filmmaking from the prestigious University of Glasgow. This enriching experience honed my critical thinking and analytical skills, enabling me to dissect narratives, understand the nuances of performance, and craft compelling narratives of my own. During my time in Glasgow, I honed my writing skills as a contributor to the university newsletter, covering a diverse range of topics from local sporting events to film screenings and reviews. This experience cultivated my ability to research, analyze, and articulate my thoughts in a clear and engaging manner.

My interests extend beyond the world of film, encompassing a diverse spectrum of sporting passions. From the exhilarating world of Formula 1 to the thrilling spectacle of NASCAR, I find myself captivated by the raw power, strategic brilliance, and human drama that unfold on the racetrack. My passion for sports, coupled with my deep understanding of storytelling, provides a unique perspective that I aim to bring to my writing about NASCAR.

I am eager to share my insights and passion for this exhilarating sport with a wider audience. My background in film, coupled with my experience as a writer and my deep-seated love for competition, equips me to craft compelling narratives that capture the essence of NASCAR – the speed, the strategy, the human element, and the sheer thrill of the race.

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Edited by Tushar Bahl