AJ Allmendinger will make his return to the top-level of NASCAR in 2021, piloting the No. 16 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE for Kaulig Racing in the second event of the season at Daytona’s Road Course.
The Los Gatos, California-native – who will run full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series for the organization — will make his first NASCAR Cup Series start since his departure from JTG-Daugherty Racing at the end of 2018.
“I am really looking forward to racing in the Cup Series once again, but more importantly, I am pumped to be racing in the Cup Series for Kaulig Racing,” said Allmendinger. “I keep wanting to help Kaulig Racing grow as much as possible, and the next step is racing in some Cup races with them. Daytona is a prestigious race track to compete at, whether you are on the oval or road course, so this is a great place for Kaulig Racing’s first non-superspeedway Cup race.”
The 39-year-old has one NASCAR Cup Series victory to his credit, winning at Watkins Glen International in 2014 with JTG-Daugherty Racing. Allmendinger also has four Xfinity Series victories on road courses, two of which have been while driving for Kaulig Racing.
“Having AJ (Allmendinger) compete in our very first non-superspeedway Cup race was really a no-brainer for us,” said Chris Rice, President of Kaulig Racing. “Kaulig Racing is honored to be able to be get AJ back into the Cup Series for the first time since his retirement. I think he will pick right back up where he left off as a road course ace.”
The Daytona International Speedway Road Course event will take place on February 21st, with Allmendinger piloting the No. 16 Chevrolet Camaro for Kaulig Racing.