“He did it”: AJ Allmendinger’s wife Tara shares a heartfelt note for toddler son Aero’s graduation from cranial helmet 

NASCAR driver AJ Allmendinger's wife Tara Allmendinger, recently celebrated their son Aero James’ graduation from his cranial helmet. Aero, born in September 2023, had surgery at three months of age for a race condition called Sagittal Craniosynostosis.

Tara actively shares about her life on Instagram, where she has over 20,000 followers. In a post, she wrote about her relief after Aero's treatment was complete and thanked everyone for their support. His condition causes parts of the skull to fuse together early.

"He did it! It’s official: Aero has graduated from his @docband helmet from Cranial Technologies. We are so grateful for all the care and support we’ve received. Last year, AJ and I were scared, sick, and losing sleep over the thought of our three-month-old undergoing surgery. Aero was born with Saggital Craniosynostosis and had to undergo an endoscopic strip craniectomy—basically, surgery to remove a fused suture on the top of his skull," Tara wrote.

"After surgery, he wore three helmets for several months. The helmets molded his head to shape and allowed for normal brain growth. I can report everything turned out fantastic. God’s timing and plan are truly perfect. 💜" she added.

Allmendinger, who had a strong season in the Xfinity Series, will race full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series for Kaulig Racing in 2025. Allmendinger reached the Championship Four and finished third in points this year. He also raced in 13 Cup Series races this year.

The 42-year-old is married to Mrs. North Carolina America 2021, Tara and the couple will celebrate their 5th wedding anniversary this December.

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AJ Allmendinger’s wife explained son Aero's birth imperfection

During the Craniosynostosis awareness month in September, AJ Allmendinger’s wife shed some light on the son's condition. Tara also created the "P.U.R.P.L.E. Ribbon Project" to help other families dealing with Craniosynostosis.

"Aero was born with the most common type occurring 1 in 2500 births due to “luck of the draw”. Sagittal craniosynostosis occurs when certain bones in a child’s skull fuse prematurely. At birth, a child’s skull is made up of several separate bones with growth plates between them. Because the skull is not a solid piece of bone yet, the brain can grow and expand in size. Normally, the skull sutures close during adulthood," Tara explained.

Meanwhile, Allmendinger will compete in the No. 16 car in the Cup Series next year. Kaulig Racing's No. 16 Chevrolet had about five different drivers in the series this season.

A.J. Allmendinger also drove the car full-time last year and made 10 starts.