AJ Allmendinger will return full-time to the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2024 with Kaulig Racing, the organization announced Thursday.
“We feel AJ returning full time to our Xfinity Series program gives us the best chance to continue growing our organization as a whole,” Chris Rice, Kaulig Racing team president, said. “He’s passionate, he’s aggressive, and he pushes us to keep getting better. We’re excited to see what we can accomplish in the 2024 season on both the Xfinity and Cup side.”
Allmendinger will be in the No. 16 Chevrolet, which he drove to 15 victories in the series between 2019 and 2023. That includes the 10 victories when Allmendinger was a championship contender in 2021 and ’22, finishing fourth and fifth respectively in the championship standings.
“To Kaulig Racing, AJ is much more than the trophies he’s won or the banners he’s hung in our shop,” said team owner Matt Kaulig. “AJ has always embraced what we are trying to do as an organization, and his contribution to the culture at Kaulig Racing is what truly makes him forever a part of our family.”
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Allmendinger moves back to the series after a full season in the Cup Series (his first since 2018 when driving for JTG Daugherty Racing). On his way to finishing 21st in the standings, Allmendinger took the organization to victory lane at the Charlotte Roval. It was their second career victory, and the first also came with Allmendinger (on the Indianapolis road course).
In addition to his Xfinity Series schedule, Allmendinger will run a limited Cup Series schedule with the team. Those details will be announced later.
“My plans for 2024 have always been whatever Matt Kaulig and Chris Rice think is best for the team,” Allmendinger said. “We’ve got work to do on both our Xfinity and Cup side as we continue to grow but I think we are putting ourselves in the best position to keep improving. With Josh Williams coming on board, it’ll be fun to learn each other’s driving styles and work together as teammates on Saturdays. I’m excited to be a part everything we’re working on at Kaulig Racing and see what we can get done next season.”