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Kaulig Racing President Chris Rice gives his 2024 expectations for Xfinity Series drivers

JHby:Jonathan Howard•01/22/24•

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Chris Rice AJ Allmendinger Kaulig Racing
Kristin Enzor/For IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

In 2024, Kaulig Racing could be the most exciting Xfinity Series team in NASCAR. Chris Rice has big expectations for his organization. AJ Allmendinger, Shane van Gisbergen, and Josh Williams make up quite the trio in that series.

You know that Allmendinger is a proven winner, on road courses and ovals. SVG is going to be right there on the road courses, and we will see how he develops on ovals. Then, you have Williams, who is the driver with the biggest question mark.

Answering fan questions, Chris Rice talked about his expectations for Allmendinger and SVG. He made sure to throw in the “Park It” driver as well.

“I expect those guys to race really really hard on the road courses but be very respectful. You know, AJ, he underestimates his ability, but also when you look at SVG he’s going to bring something to the table we’ve never had,” Rice said in a video. “But don’t forget Josh Williams, very good learner, so I expect him to be in the mix when we go to those road courses.

“I’m telling you when we go to those ovals, AJ is going to make us better and we will get the Kaulig Racing cars to where they contend each and every weekend again.”

While we will have to wait and see what happens with the Cup Series team, the Kaulig Racing Xfinity Series group is exciting. AJ should win multiple races and be a championship contender. He was a Championship 4 driver in 2022.

SVG should also be in the playoffs with a win or two. He is quite possibly the most interesting NASCAR prospect of the last 10 years and he will get his start at Kaulig.

Any wins from Williams are just icing on top. And it could very well happen. Williams is a talented wheelman and this is his biggest opportunity yet.

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Kaulig Racing championship odds for 2024

Speaking of the Xfinity Series and championship hopes, Allmendinger and SVG are two of the favorites heading into the season. For all of the things I said above and more, they are being given a lot of stock from Vegas before a race is even started this season.

While Cole Custer is the favorite to repeat at champion at +260, AJ Allmendinger isn’t far behind, tied for third overall, at +600. Shane van Gsibergen is +1100 to win, tenth best of all drivers.

These two in the Xfinity Series are going to put a lot of pressure on drivers like Custer, Sam Mayer, and others.

There are six road course races in 2024, including the Chicago Street Race. Between Allmendinger and van Gisbergen, there might not be any wins for those other road course racers. Mayer won three road course races in 2023. I don’t think he will do the same this season.

AJ Allmendinger has won on ovals in the Xfinity Series. I think SVG is talented enough to catch up quickly on ovals, particularly tracks Allmendinger succeeds on. Phoenix, Homestead, Bristol, and others. There is something about road course racing that translates to some of these short tracks and even certain intermediate tracks like Homestead.

Even if the Cup Series team isn’t as exciting, Kaulig Racing and the Xfinity Series program is going to be must-watch TV.