After a successful return to the NASCAR Xfinity Series and Cup Series the last two seasons, A.J. Allmendinger is set to make his return to NASCAR’s top series full-time in 2023, behind the wheel of the #16 Chevrolet for Kaulig Racing.
Allmendinger and Kaulig Racing have proven to already be a contender in their limited Cup Series time together, having scored (1) win, (5) Top 5’s, and (11) Top 10’s in only 22 starts between 2021 and 2022. The current season has also yielded an average start of 20th, and an average finish of 16th, while completing 98% of laps run heading into Phoenix. These stats are possible playoff contender indicators already.
So….what does this mean for 2023? Allmendinger will surely be a threat at any road course in 2023, perhaps even more so now running the full schedule. The upcoming Chicago Street Course event could also be a highlight for Allmendinger in 2023, having raced on these types of layouts in the past.
While road courses are almost a given, look for Allmendinger and the Kaulig No. 16 Chevrolet to spend a lot of time up front in 2023, as Allmendinger has had several Top 5 and Top 10 finishes in his 2022 starts thus far. This includes tracks such as Gateway, Bristol, Las Vegas, and Homestead. In many respects, Allmendinger is having a career year at many tracks he has struggled at previously.
Reasonable expectations are the name of the game for 2023 for Allmendinger and crew. Running their first full Cup Season together, while campaigning in the most competitive Cup Series to date, a win or two, and a possible Top 10 points finish seem like an attainable goal. Expect the trophy hunting to continue!
2022 Season Results*Â
| RACE | TRACK | ST | FIN | LAPS | STATUS |
| 4 | Phoenix | 29 | 20 | 312/312 | Running |
| 6 | COTA | 20 | 33 | 68/69 | Running |
| 7 | Richmond | 26 | 27 | 396/400 | Running |
| 8 | Martinsville | 36 | 24 | 401/403 | Running |
| 11 | Dover | 19 | 33 | 321/400 | Brakes |
| 15 | Gateway | 35 | 10 | 245/245 | Running |
| 16 | Sonoma | 16 | 19 | 110/110 | Running |
| 17 | Nashville | 14 | 19 | 300/300 | Running |
| 18 | Road America | 21 | 9 | 62/62 | Running |
| 20 | Loudon | 20 | 16 | 300/301 | Running |
| 22 | Indianapolis G.P. | 20 | 7 | 86/86 | Running |
| 25 | Watkins Glen | 6 | 2 | 90/90 | Running |
| 29 | Bristol | 13 | 7 | 500/500 | Running |
| 32 | Charlotte (Road) | 7 | 4 | 112/112 | Running |
| 33 | Las Vegas | 21 | 9 | 267/267 | Running |
| 34 | Homestead | 10 | 3 | 267/267 | Running |
| 35 | Martinsville | 21 | 23 | 498/500 | Running |
*As of Martinsville 2022
