Post by labontefanboy on Feb 27, 2014 18:30:53 GMT -5
Allmendinger set to make Cup debut with RCR
A.J. Allmendinger has been announced as the replacement driver for Kurt Busch in this weekend's Coca-Cola 600, marking what will be the Californian's first career Cup Series start. Allmendinger will not be in a Cup car for the first time, however, as he previously DNQ'ed at Sonoma for Bill Davis Racing. Busch, who broke his shoulder in last weekend's All-Star Race, was very happy to hear Allmendinger's name called, saying, "I really think A.J. is going to surprise a lot of people. The kid can flat out race. He doesn't have a whole lot of experience in stock cars but he's run several races in Nationwide already and I think he's got a chance to be the next big thing." The inexperience factor certainly did warrant some questions for team owner Richard Childress, considering the 600-mile event is the longest and by far the most grueling race of the NASCAR season. However, Childress did not seem concerned: "We ran A.J. in a one-day private test at North Wilkesboro and kept him running laps for 2 hours straight without taking any breaks aside from pit stops. It was certainly a little tough on him but he really manned up and was turning the best laps of his session at the end of the day so I think he'll be fine in the 600." Allmendinger echoed the sentiments of his team owner, saying, "I'm really ready for this challenge. It's a huge boost of confidence for Richard to believe in me and trust me, I've done everything I can to prepare for this weekend. So long as I don't wreck the thing, I'll be able to fight through to the end and hopefully get a top 20 or even a top 10 finish out of it." Childress did say that Allmendinger is currently on a one-race contract, and that more announcements would be made in the future regarding other substitute drivers and the condition of Kurt Busch's arm and hand. (NASCAR.com) (5/26/07)
A.J. Allmendinger has been announced as the replacement driver for Kurt Busch in this weekend's Coca-Cola 600, marking what will be the Californian's first career Cup Series start. Allmendinger will not be in a Cup car for the first time, however, as he previously DNQ'ed at Sonoma for Bill Davis Racing. Busch, who broke his shoulder in last weekend's All-Star Race, was very happy to hear Allmendinger's name called, saying, "I really think A.J. is going to surprise a lot of people. The kid can flat out race. He doesn't have a whole lot of experience in stock cars but he's run several races in Nationwide already and I think he's got a chance to be the next big thing." The inexperience factor certainly did warrant some questions for team owner Richard Childress, considering the 600-mile event is the longest and by far the most grueling race of the NASCAR season. However, Childress did not seem concerned: "We ran A.J. in a one-day private test at North Wilkesboro and kept him running laps for 2 hours straight without taking any breaks aside from pit stops. It was certainly a little tough on him but he really manned up and was turning the best laps of his session at the end of the day so I think he'll be fine in the 600." Allmendinger echoed the sentiments of his team owner, saying, "I'm really ready for this challenge. It's a huge boost of confidence for Richard to believe in me and trust me, I've done everything I can to prepare for this weekend. So long as I don't wreck the thing, I'll be able to fight through to the end and hopefully get a top 20 or even a top 10 finish out of it." Childress did say that Allmendinger is currently on a one-race contract, and that more announcements would be made in the future regarding other substitute drivers and the condition of Kurt Busch's arm and hand. (NASCAR.com) (5/26/07)