AJ Allmendinger is set to make a full return to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2026, driving for Kaulig Racing as the team aims to secure a playoff berth. This announcement was confirmed by Kaulig Racing president Chris Rice following Allmendinger’s notable performance at this year’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
After thirteen races this season, Allmendinger holds 18th place in the standings, trailing the last playoff position by just 13 points. His consistent efforts and recent strong finishes have positioned him as a key contender as Kaulig Racing prepares for a focused campaign next season.
Kaulig Racing Commits Fully to Allmendinger’s Progress in 2026
Kaulig Racing has signaled that AJ Allmendinger will not split his schedule between the Cup and Xfinity Series in 2026. The team’s priority is clear: to mount a complete playoff push in the Cup Series. According to team president Chris Rice, the driver’s ability to consistently improve the car has been a major reason for his return.
“AJ Allmendinger will be back in the Cup Series next year for Kaulig Racing and Chris Rice says it’s because their driver just picks them up, repeatedly. All you have to do in return, Rice says, is take AJ golfing.” —Matt Weaver, Journalist
Rice emphasized their confidence in Allmendinger by stating,
“We’ve told him, he’s not running any Xfinity because we are focused on making the playoffs over here and he’s the guy to get it done for us.” —Chris Rice, Kaulig Racing President
This approach highlights the team’s belief in Allmendinger’s talent and leadership, especially given his road course expertise and ability to collect crucial points toward the postseason.
Recent Performance Highlights and Challenges for Allmendinger
Allmendinger’s season so far has been a mix of promising results and setbacks. Before the Coca-Cola 600, he faced disappointing moments at Texas and Kansas. A crash at Texas caused an early exit, while an engine failure at Kansas forced him off after just six laps, dropping him from 14th to 25th in the standings.
However, at Charlotte Motor Speedway, he rebounded impressively with a fourth-place finish, earning 16 stage points and reestablishing his presence in the playoff race. This performance underscored his ability to recover quickly and maintain momentum during a tough season.
Reflecting on that race, Allmendinger credited his pit crew and crew chief Trent Owens for their flawless execution under pressure, saying,
“When we have a car like we did… none of us made mistakes today. The pit crew was on it. Trent was on it.” —AJ Allmendinger
Emotional Response to Engine Failure at Kansas and Respect for ECR
Following the early exit due to engine trouble at Kansas, Allmendinger expressed frustration during the race over the team radio, directing sharp criticism at ECR Engines, the supplier of power units for his car. His comment was caught live, stating,
“Hey [ECR Engines], you guys [expletive] suck.” —AJ Allmendinger
Later, Allmendinger addressed his reaction publicly on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, emphasizing it came from a place of passion and his long-standing relationship with ECR, having collaborated with them for over a decade. He clarified,
“I’ve worked with ECR for over 10 years. And it’s just rare that we’ve had a couple of engine issues.” —AJ Allmendinger
His remarks underline the rarity of such mechanical failures and the frustration when they strike given the team’s high expectations. Kaulig Racing, along with Richard Childress Racing and Trackhouse Racing, rely on ECR engines full-time in the Cup Series, while Beard Motorsports also utilizes them on a part-time basis.
Looking Ahead to 2026 and Playoff Ambitions
As Kaulig Racing prepares for the 2026 season, the emphasis on AJ Allmendinger’s full-time commitment signals a strategic push for playoff success. Given Allmendinger’s proven skill, particularly on road courses where he excels, the team anticipates strong performances during the summer stretch, which includes four road races remaining in the regular season.
This renewed focus on the NASCAR Cup Series underlines Kaulig Racing’s determination to convert consistent performances into a coveted playoff spot, with Allmendinger positioned as a central figure in that pursuit. The upcoming seasons will test whether this focused approach can translate into championship contention.
