AJ Allmendinger is preparing for his sixteenth attempt at the legendary Rolex 24 at Daytona, this time as part of the Acura Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb Agajanian team, with uncertainty clouding his readiness for the challenge. Taking the wheel again after four years away from the event, Allmendinger is looking to prove himself in a competitive lineup, while keeping the focus on the AJ Allmendinger Rolex 24 Daytona story.
Returning to Daytona After Four Years
Allmendinger will compete at the 64th running of Daytona’s 24-hour endurance race, kicking off the IMSA season. The NASCAR and open-wheel veteran last participated in the Rolex 24 in 2021, finishing fourth. For this year’s event, he will drive a brand-new Acura, having already tested the vehicle in November as he works to adapt to its advanced systems and demands.
The No. 60 Acura ARX-06 will be piloted in the GTP category by Allmendinger alongside full-time drivers Colin Braun and Tom Blomqvist. Adding further star power, six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon is also slated to join them for the race’s extensive stints, enhancing the team’s prospects while intensifying Allmendinger’s determination not to be the slow link in the group.
Facing the Challenge of a New Car and Team Dynamics
Allmendinger has voiced his concerns about mastering the complexities of the new Acura and the pressure of his role within a celebrated racing crew. He is keen not to disappoint team owner Mike Shank as he embarks on his GTP debut. In Allmendinger’s words:
“There’s lots of buttons and it’s tricky to drive. … I’m trying to learn as quick as I can. I don’t want to be the slow guy and let them down. I know I’ll be the weak link, I just don’t want to be the weakest link in the chain,”
AJ Allmendinger said (via imsa.com).
His responsibilities extend beyond fast laps. Allmendinger emphasized his goal of consistently delivering strong stints and returning the car in good condition to his co-drivers:
“It’s my job to run good stints and hand the car back off looking the same as it started. I told Mike [Michael Shank, team owner], ‘I don’t want to let you down.’ He said, ‘Ain’t gonna happen, you never have.’”
The enduring relationship between Allmendinger and Shank began in 2006, with their collaboration peaking in 2012 when Allmendinger, Justin Wilson, Ozz Negri, and John Pew achieved overall victory at Daytona. This shared success continues to shape both the team’s legacy and Allmendinger’s sense of belonging.
Reflecting on a Storied Career and Hopes for the Future
Competing in the NASCAR Cup Series for Kaulig Racing’s No. 16 Chevy, Allmendinger’s journey has taken him from open-wheel racing to a full-time NASCAR career, including a stint with Red Bull’s original NASCAR outfit in 2007. The 44-year-old shared his gratitude for the path that led him from his first collaboration with Mike Shank in 2005 to numerous starts at Daytona’s famed endurance event:
“We ran it January ’06 and it just kind of took off from there. He called me back the next year and it grew for every year straight. It’s been a fun ride and hopefully this isn’t the last one. We’ll see if there’s more,”
AJ Allmendinger said.
The upcoming 2026 IMSA Rolex 24 at Daytona will launch on Saturday, January 24, and conclude the following afternoon. Prior to the main event, teams will participate in the Roar Before the Rolex 24, with test sessions scheduled to begin January 16, offering everyone vital preparation time on the challenging circuit.
New Faces and Rivalries as the Race Approaches
This highly anticipated race will also see the entry of rising talents, such as 19-year-old Connor Zilisch from Trackhouse Racing, who is set to make his GTP class debut, further raising the level of competition. Meanwhile, veterans like Scott Dixon and past winners such as Justin Wilson, Ozz Negri, and John Pew reinforce the significance and prestige of the AJ Allmendinger Rolex 24 Daytona for rookies and seasoned drivers alike.
As anticipation builds for the season opener, Allmendinger’s focus and determination highlight both the personal and professional stakes for all team members and competitors. The blend of experience and fresh talent ensures the Rolex 24 at Daytona remains a true test of endurance, skill, and resilience—a battleground where reputations are built, tested, and, sometimes, redefined.
