AJ Allmendinger’s return to full-time competition in the NASCAR Cup Series has started with a bang… literally.
In the closing minutes of Busch Light Clash practice at the LA Memorial Coliseum, Allmendinger, who will pilot the No. 16 Chevrolet Camaro full-time in 2023, got into a shoving match with Chase Briscoe.
The end result was Briscoe’s No. 14 Mahindra Tractors Ford Mustang nosed against the outside wall in turn four, drawing the second incident-related caution in Saturday’s practice session.
"I'm fairly certain AJ got the point across right there." – Tony Stewart pic.twitter.com/ZDBIRZnAgd
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 5, 2023
The incident started in the first corner, when Allmendinger crowded Briscoe on the entrance to the turn, causing the Stewart-Haas Racing entry to make significant door contact with the No. 16 Chevrolet.
Then, Allmendinger decided to enact his revenge on Chase Briscoe, getting into the rear bumper of the No. 14 and shoving him into the third corner with too much speed.