AJ Allmendinger delivered another impressive performance at the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL, securing a top 10 finish for the No. 16 team during Sunday’s hometown event. The weekend began with promising speed, highlighted by Allmendinger topping the practice charts on Saturday and qualifying ninth, giving the team confidence to contend near the front of the pack.
Strategic Decisions Put Allmendinger in Command Early On
Crew chief Trent Owens made a crucial strategy call during the opening stage, sending Allmendinger to pit road twice for scheduled service. This approach allowed Allmendinger to take the lead at the start of Stage 2, where he led for 13 laps before surrendering the front spot and making another pit stop to stay on the team’s planned race strategy.
Adjustments and Risks in the Final Stage
Throughout the final stage, Allmendinger ran in sixth while noting that his No. 16 Chevy was looser than earlier in the race. To protect track position amid handling challenges, Owens opted to pit Allmendinger on lap 81, a move that paid off as he cycled back into the top 10 and steadily gained spots as the laps wound down.
In a dramatic finish, Allmendinger attempted to pass for seventh on the last lap but was clipped by a competitor, causing him to spin in the final corner. Despite the spin, Allmendinger crossed the finish line ninth, marking the team’s seventh top-10 result of the 2025 season.
Reflection from Crew Chief Trent Owens on the Team’s Performance
A respectable day for our team but obviously having AJ’s talent at the ROVAL, we expect more,
said Owens.
Our car was fast in the early laps of a tire run but tire wear was a little excessive requiring us to pit one more time than originally planned. Proud of team though and AJ’s driving. Top-10 finishes in this garage are always an achievement, but we want more.
Looking Ahead for AJ Allmendinger and the No. 16 Team
With a solid showing at the Charlotte ROVAL, AJ Allmendinger and the No. 16 team have demonstrated they can compete at the front in challenging conditions. Their ability to adapt strategy and manage tire wear will be key moving forward as they aim to capitalize on momentum and improve results in upcoming races.
