AJ Allmendinger is set for a return to NASCAR Cup Series full time as driver of the Kaulig’s No. 16 car according to the Athletic.
Kaulig Racing was deemed to be one of the favorite to sign Kyle Busch which would see him drive the No. 16 car However, Busch eventually agreed on moving to Richard Childress Racing for the 2023 season.
Allmendinger has reportedly reached an agreement with Kaulig Racing to drive the No. 16 full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series.
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During NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoffs Media Day last month (September), the 40-year-old was asked about whether he would be interested to running the Cup Series next season.
Allmendinger, 40, won the most recent Xfinity Series race at Talladega over the weekend. He has won 14 times in 85 starts on the circuit overall.
“Yeah, I’d be open to it,” Allmendinger responded. “We haven’t really even discussed a lot of it. It’s — I think it’s always about what Matt [Kaulig], especially Matt and Chris [Rice], what they think the right direction of the race team is.
But I’m open to whatever they want. But I haven’t pushed or talked to them about it. Whatever their plans need to be, then I’m on board.”
On Monday Motorsports reporter for The Athletic Jordan Bianchi broke the news that AJ Allmendinger will drive Kaulig Racing No. 16 Cup Series car in the 2023 Cup Series.
THE DINGER. Retweet to congratulate AJ Allmendinger on his NASCAR Xfinity Series WIN at Talladega Superspeedway! https://t.co/qO0NxEfO5Z pic.twitter.com/KY0HvTqpUv
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) October 1, 2022
An official announcement is expected soon according to the report.
With AJ Allmendinger returning to the Cup Series full time in 2023
What do you guys expect Kaulig's Xfinity Lineup to look like in 2023???
— Colby Evans-ARCA/NASCAR S&P Cars (@StartAndParkCar) October 3, 2022
A.J. Allmendinger contested in the NASCR Cup Series from 2007-2018 is expected to make a full-time return in 2023.
This is currently a developing story. Additional information and details will be added when released.