AJ Allmendinger is set to make a return to full-time NASCAR Cup Series competition with Kaulig Racing next season. The 42-year-old veteran driver has been a key figure for Kaulig Racing since joining the team in 2019 and has adapted to whatever role the organization has assigned him. His latest assignment reflects Kaulig Racing’s evolving strategies and Allmendinger’s versatility within the sport.
Allmendinger’s career with Kaulig Racing has been a rollercoaster of shifts between the NASCAR Cup Series and the Xfinity Series. He raced full-time in Xfinity in 2021 and 2022, transitioned to full-time Cup racing in 2023, and currently competes full-time in Xfinity in 2024. Now, he will once again compete at the highest level in 2025. This cycle is largely driven by Kaulig Racing’s strategic needs, with team owner Matt Kaulig personally funding Allmendinger’s seat through his company, Leaf Filter, making the driver’s yearly assignment dependent on where the organization sees the most opportunity.
This year, the No. 31 Kaulig Racing Cup car has been driven by Daniel Hemric, who brought sufficient sponsorship to secure a full-time spot in the Cup Series. Meanwhile, the No. 16 car has featured a rotating lineup that includes Allmendinger, Shane van Gisbergen, and Derek Kraus. In his 10 Cup Series starts this season, Allmendinger has delivered three top-10 finishes, showcasing his enduring competitiveness at the elite level. Notably, Allmendinger has three career Cup Series wins, including two with Kaulig Racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course and the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL.
In the Xfinity Series this year, Allmendinger has performed admirably, currently sitting sixth in the standings with 10 top-10 finishes and three top-5s in 20 starts. Despite his fluctuating roles, he has maintained a solid average finish of 13.9, underscoring his consistency and adaptability.
Allmendinger’s racing journey has spanned multiple disciplines, including a successful stint in IndyCar, where he competed in the Champ Car World Series and made six starts in the IndyCar Series in 2013. Additionally, he occasionally races in sports car events, further illustrating his diverse racing portfolio.
As Kaulig Racing looks ahead to 2025, details regarding the rest of the team’s lineup in both the Cup and Xfinity Series, as well as crew assignments, remain undetermined. Allmendinger’s return to full-time Cup racing signals Kaulig’s confidence in his experience and ability to contend at the top level once again. Fans and analysts will be eager to see how this move impacts the team’s overall performance next season.
