Top Dog: AJ Allmendinger
Based on the performance of the Next Gen car at flat tracks this season, there were definitely some unknowns heading into the Ambetter 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (July 17). Even several drivers in interviews during and after practice could not give a straightforward prediction about what to anticipate at New England’s Magic Mile.
For the Cup Series underdogs, many came up empty in the lobster fishing department. Several dark horses were affected by crashes and other drivers’ issues throughout the event. The one underdog that appeared to have the most stability during the race was AJ Allmendinger, who has increased his versatility since jumping back into Cup part-time with Kaulig Racing.
Allmendinger’s consistency placed him at the top of the underdog list with a 16th-place result, one lap down, proving how tumultuous the race was for underdogs.
The veteran driver started from the 20th position, working his way up to 15th by the end of the stage. That stability and consistency I mentioned was no joke, as Allmendinger finished stage two in the same spot: 15th.
The No. 16 Gold Fish Casino Slots Chevrolet may not have been a top-10 presence, but you could still see Allmendinger fighting the likes of Kyle Busch, Ryan Blaney, Denny Hamlin and other top drivers for position. His persistent, locked-in spot ranged from 14th to 17th for most of the final stage, and despite trouble for several other drivers, the 40-year-old carried the underdog banner in 16th.
Allmendinger has really become the handyman to throw in Kaulig Racing’s No. 16 Chevrolet this season. His results this year have been more impressive, in some ways, than his full-time Cup days. The Loudon race was the Californian’s 10th Cup appearance of the season. After a best finish of 20th in his first five starts, though he was a couple of turns away from winning Circuit of the Americas, Allmendinger has finished no worse than 19th in his most recent five Cup events. That includes two top 10s to his credit.
Unless the full-time Xfinity Series competitor has a change of heart, we will likely never see Allmendinger in a Cup car full-time again. But in his current role, the quick adaptation to the Next Gen car and the veteran leadership he brings to Kaulig helps put that program in position to succeed.
Underdog Highlights
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