“I just love the punishment”: AJ Allmendinger reveals to Dale Jr. why he’s returning to Cup Series ahead of Xfinity title showdown

AJ Allmendinger shared his thoughts on returning to NASCAR's premier division next season after an impressive 2024 Xfinity Series campaign. The 42-year-old is on his way to the Championship 4 race for a chance to win his maiden Xfinity title at Phoenix Raceway.

In the latest episode of the Dale Jr. Download podcast, all the Xfinity Championship 4 race contenders joined Dale Earnhardt Jr. The Kaulig Racing driver revealed his unconventional motivation to return full-time in the 2025 Cup Series season. NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Jr. asked:

"You've [AJ Allmendinger] been back and forth. I don't know why you want to go back up to the Cup Series. What is that all about?" [0:21]

To this, the #16 Chevy driver said:

"I just love the punishment man. I just really do. I've been very fortunate. We're in the final four we have a chance to win a championship. It might change a lot of people's lives in Kaulig Racing."

Since joining the Matt Kaulig-owned organization in 2021, the California native has competed full-time in the Cup in only one season (2023). He is now set to return after an impressive Xfinity run in the 2024 season.

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"Let's go win a championship" - AJ Allmendinger excited after winning at Las Vegas

AJ Allmendinger has been in 18 victory lane celebrations in the Xfinity Series and is hoping for his maiden Championship title at Phoenix Raceway.

The #16 Chevy Camaro driver booked his berth in the Championship 4 race after securing a triumph in the first Round of 8 race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. His win was his first and his seventh top-five finish of the season.

In the post-race interview, Allmendinger reflected on his rollercoaster Xfinity season and a chance to earn his first championship title. He said:

"I absolutely love these guys and girls at Kaulig Racing. Been such up and down. But what I love about them is we stick together. We keep fighting," AJ Allmendinger said.

Furthermore, the veteran driver shared his emotion and said:

"Oh man, it’s a modern-day garage Chevy—was absolutely hooked up, as fast as Xfinity internet. Thank you guys for all you do for this sport. Celsius, Action Industries, Leaf Filter… I don’t know there’s a lot more, I’m forgetting. God, what a way to get the Phoenix after the year that we've had. Let's go win a championship. Let's go."

Allmendinger will join Austin Hill, Justin Allgaier, and reigning Xfinity Series champion Cole Custer on November 9 for the showdown at Phoenix Raceway.