Friday, January 16, 2015

2015 Driver Spotlight Preview: AJ Allmendinger

AJ Allmendinger 2015 Season Preview


By Richard Tix


In 2014 AJ Allmendinger got his second chance at the Sprint Cup level. The last time he had a full time ride (prior to 2014) was 2011 and he took advantage this past season. AJ will go from a contender at road courses to a road course favorite in 2015.

That simple fact makes AJ Allmendingers 2015 season interesting. 2014 he used his win at Watkins Glen to make his first Sprint Cup Chase, but that glory didn't last long. It was a step in the right direction for a one car team. JTG-Daugherty Racing seems to be trending in the right direction and a lot of that has to do with bringing in AJ in 2014.

The big quetion will be how will he continue to develop on non road course tracks in 2015? IN 2014 he finished the year with a win, 2 top 5's, and 5 top 10's while finishing the season 13th in the points.


Bold Predictions/2015 Season Expectations:
  • I have the same expectations for AJ as he did in 2014. I think with Ambrose leaving NASCAR it opens the door for other drivers to win at the road courses. In comes AJ. Last year AJ used his win at WG to get into the Chase. In 2013 he won his first Nationwide race at Road America in a redemption story. He also later won at Mid-Ohio, bringing his record to 2-2 in 2013 Nationwide races (2 starts, 2 wins). So, NASCAR fans should expect he to be a favorite at the two road course stops. He should also finish with 2-3 top 5's and 3-5 top 10's. The main key will be for him to find consistency with that team and help take them to the next level.


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