AJ Allmendinger will race full-time Xfinity Series schedule in 2024 for Kaulig Racing

The decision on AJ Allmendinger has been made and Kaulig Racing is going to put him back in the NASCAR Xfinity Series full-time. There are a lot of changes at Kaulig Racing this year. Allmendinger will be teammates with Josh Williams who moves over to Kaulig from DGM Racing.

A lot of fans wanted to see AJ Allmendinger back in the Cup Series. Heck, I think AJ even wanted to return to the Cup Series. However, Allmendinger has always been a team player, especially at Kaulig.

Matt Kaulig and Chris Rice believe Allmendinger can win a championship in the Xfinity Series. So, they want to pursue that with The Dinger in the No. 16 car.

Don’t worry though, Allmendinger is going to race a part-time Cup Series schedule on top of his Xfinity duties.

“We feel AJ [Allmendinger] returning full time to our Xfinity Series program gives us the best chance to continue growing our organization as a whole,” team president, Chris Rice said in a press release. “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.” 

In the 2023 season, AJ Allmendinger won two of his five Xfinity Series races. He also pulled out a win in the Cup Series at the Charlotte Roval. A massive moment for the driver as he likely knew he wouldn’t return full-time to Cup.

AJ Allmendinger willing to sacrifice for the team

While it feels like things have changed for the worst with Kaulig Racing – losing Justin Haley, losing Chandler Smith, putting Daniel Hemric in the Cup Series. Rumors are that Ty Dillon will get the second Cup Series seat.

However, Josh Williams and AJ Allmendinger in the Xfinity Series could be a deadly pairing. These are two drivers that live and breathe racing. Both have different strengths and weaknesses, too.

For now, the Xfinity Series team looks great, whereas the Cup Series team… is a little lacking. Still, The Dinger wanted to do what is best for the organization as a whole.

“My plans for 2024 have always been whatever Matt Kaulig and Chris Rice think is best for the team,” said AJ Allmendinger. “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 [of] everything we’re working on at Kaulig Racing and see what we can get done next season.”

Right now, the Cup Series schedule is to be announced. I would imagine it includes the five road courses in the Cup Series. Perhaps NASCAR will let drivers race in both Chicago Street Course events next year as well. Stay tuned for that.

In his Xfinity Series career, Allmendinger has 17 wins, 67 top-10s, and 11 pole awards in 94 career starts.