Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs AJ Allmendinger is feeling incredibly enthusiastic about his full-time return to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2025 with Kaulig Racing.After a partial schedule in recent years, the driver is ready to embrace the challenges that come with driving these demanding cars. His excitement is palpable, and as he readies himself for the upcoming season, he has revealed what he’s most looking forward to in discussion with Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports.
“Honestly, just driving the cars… I don’t know if I’m on the lighter side of popular opinion on that or what, but I actually really enjoy driving the Cup cars,” Allmendinger admitted.
AJ Allmendinger poses for a photo during NASCAR Production Days at Charlotte Convention Center on January 21, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
AJ Allmendinger poses for a photo during NASCAR Production Days at Charlotte Convention Center on January 21, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
“I think that was part of the reason that we talked about the decisions. And I feel fortunate more than anything that Matt and Chris still believe in me to try to help whatever program they want me in, whether it’s Cup or Xfinity.”But yeah, definitely I like the direction that our team is headed just being back in these cars full time.”His passion for the sport is apparent, even though his performance in 2024 showed mixed results. Despite managing only three top-10 finishes in the Cup Series during that year, his determination has only grown, and the confidence Kaulig Racing has in him reflects his importance to their expectations this year.More News: Cole Custer And AJ Allmendinger Spotted In Heated Chat After NASCAR Clash Kaulig Racing, since its inception, has been steadily building its place in NASCAR. From its beginnings in the Xfinity Series and a jump into the Cup Series in 2022, the team’s journey has seen steadfast growth.Their 2024 performance in the Cup Series averaged a 19.5 finish, pushing them toward a comprehensive restructuring effort. This effort in 2025 reflects a strategy aimed at pushing this further.One of the key components of Kaulig Racing’s overhaul is the appointment of Mike Cook as the new Technical Director. His previous involvement with teams, including 10 years at Stewart-Haas Racing, brings valuable expertise to the table.Cook’s role is set to be distinct from the crew chief’s responsibilities, a move that aligns with practices employed by leading teams, providing a dedicated focus on the intricate functions of competition strategy and daily operations. Allmendinger added:”Yeah, so the biggest thing is it’ll be the first time that we’ve had a competition director not be the crew chief. And, you know, when you’re trying to race at this elite level, it’s tough to do when you’re kinda limited on people.”And, you know, when it came to like Squid (crew chief Matt Swiderski), he was doing a great job doing it, but it’s hard to do.”More News: NASCAR Teams Predicted To Succeed In Lawsuit By Sport Insider The structural change includes Trent Owens concentrating exclusively on being the crew chief, freeing him from the additional duties he juggled previously.”So to have Mike Cook there as our competition director—to be able to be the guy that focuses on just kinda the everyday grind of making sure that we are getting better, we’re doing the right things, things like that—I’m really looking forward to working with Trent again.”I got to work with him 10 races, those last 10 races that I ran in the 47. I just really loved working with Trent Owens, so that was something that I’ve always wanted to do again.”The investments Kaulig Racing is making are substantial. Their efforts extend to acquiring more simulator time and fortifying their technical partnership with Richard Childress Racing, offering more engine and data support.Despite the team’s realistic outlook on the uncertainties that come with these changes, there is a palpable optimism about their potential impact on performance.”We don’t know until we get on the racetrack, but just the people that we’ve added, the effort that we’re putting into the Cup program is more than we probably ever have,” he continued.More News: Richard Childress Laments Staggering $3 Million Loss After 2024 Controversy As the 2025 season prepares to kick off with the Daytona 500 in February, the excitement and expectations surrounding Kaulig Racing’s developments set the stage for an engaging season.”The effort we’re putting into the Cup program is more than we probably ever have,” he finishes.For the latest NASCAR news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
