NASCAR: Allmendinger Eyes Chicago With Road Course Grit And Dad Perspective

19 hours ago

AUSTIN, TX - MARCH 02: AJ Allmendinger (#16 Kaulig Racing Celsius Chevrolet) acknowledges fans ... More during driver introductionsbefore the NASCAR Cup Series Echo Park Automotive Grand Prix on March 2, 2025, at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, TX. (Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
There are drivers who show up to a NASCAR race quietly optimistic. And then there's A.J. Allmendinger — the guy who shows up at the track looking like he's ready to win or fight someone trying to stop him.
Or possibly both.
Heading into this weekend's Grant Park 165 on the streets of Chicago, Allmendinger brings with him all the usual ingredients: a scrappy underdog mentality, a resume packed with road course success, and the kind of raw honesty that makes every interview feel like a confessional. Add to that a new layer of perspective thanks to fatherhood — and yes, a steady supply of CELSIUS energy drinks — and you've got one of the most intriguing storylines in the Cup Series garage.
A Season Of Progress — And Realism
'I think it's a glass half full,' Allmendinger says, reflecting on his season so far with Kaulig Racing. 'At the end of the day, you've got to have realistic expectations. We show up every week trying to win and make the playoffs and win the championship — that's the pinnacle.
AUSTIN, TEXAS - MARCH 01: AJ Allmendinger, driver of the #16 Celsius Chevrolet, drives during ... More practice for the NASCAR Cup Series EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas on March 01, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by)
'But we also have an understanding of where we're at right now as an organization, where the team was at, at this point last year and the gains that we've made.'
It hasn't all been smooth sailing. Two blown motors, a couple of disappointing road course races — rare for a driver with his pedigree — and the usual grind of life in NASCAR's top series have tested the team. But the bigger picture? There's progress.
'We've made a lot of gains from where we were last year,' he adds. 'There's light at the end of the tunnel… and for once it doesn't feel like it's a train coming back at you.'
As fierce as Allmendinger remains behind the wheel, life at home has added some welcome chaos — and maybe, just maybe, a little perspective; chaos thanks in part to his son Aero, who will be two in September.
AVONDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 09: AJ Allmendinger, driver of the #16 Celsius Chevrolet, spends time ... More with his wife, Tara Allmendinger and son, Aero Allmendinger on the grid prior to the NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway on November 09, 2024 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by)
'If you listen to my radio, I'm still as fiery as ever,' he laughs. 'But I feel like I'm still getting better. That fire of proving it to myself every weekend is what keeps pushing me.'
The biggest change? What happens after a tough day at the office.
'My wife, Tara, is amazing — she's basically taking care of two kids, me included,' Allmendinger jokes. 'But you get home after a bad day, frustrated, sad, all of it… and Aero doesn't care. He just wants to play and jump on you. That part of it makes the bad weekends a little easier.'
Given his three career Cup wins have all come on road courses, you'd expect Allmendinger to circle Chicago's street race as a golden opportunity. But the 12-turn concrete jungle that snakes through Grant Park has been anything but predictable.
'The street course definitely changes my confidence level — Chicago hasn't helped it at all,' he admits. 'The first year, we completely missed it — the car bounced around like crazy. Last year, we were just lost in practice and qualifying, but with the weather, we drove through the field and had a shot.'
This year? Still a question mark.
'It's a tricky track — rough, technical, you've got to balance mechanical grip and aero grip perfectly. I've done all the studying I can. Now we'll see if I can be better when we unload.'
For all the road course glory, that first Cup oval win remains on Allmendinger's to-do list — a challenge he embraces, even if it comes with the usual NASCAR frustrations.
'It's hard,' he says bluntly. 'You've got to have a good car — doesn't matter if it's an oval or road course, but on ovals, it's even more critical to hit everything right.'
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JULY 07: AJ Allmendinger, driver of the #13 Benesch Chevrolet, drives after an ... More on-track incident during the NASCAR Cup Series Grant Park 165 at Chicago Street Course on July 07, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by)
Tracks like Dover or Las Vegas give him hope. Short tracks? A surprising struggle.
'It's weird because I've always loved short tracks,' he says. 'But with this car, we've struggled there. If we knew why, we'd fix it already.'
For now, it's about maximizing every opportunity, one weekend at a time.
'There are ovals you circle on the calendar and say, 'We can win here.' Others? You run top 15 that's a that's almost a win.'
In a sport where sponsor logos change as often as tires, having a partner like CELSIUS stick with him through the ups and downs is more than just a marketing win — it's personal.
'When I first joined Kaulig Racing, there was a little fridge in the corner with CELSIUS in it,' Allmendinger recalls. 'Honestly, I'd never even seen the stuff before.'
Fast forward seven years, and both the driver and the brand have grown together — with plenty of Victory Lane celebrations (and CELSIUS can tosses) along the way.
'It's a product I actually use daily — training, hydration, energy, golf, you name it,' he says. 'That's what I love about it. With some sponsors, it's a logo. With CELSIUS, it's part of my life.'
A.J. Allmendinger may not fit the mold of the typical NASCAR Cup Series contender — and he's just fine with that. Whether it's battling the unforgiving streets of Chicago, chasing that first elusive oval win, or navigating the joys (and sleep deprivation) of fatherhood, one thing remains constant:
The fire's still there. The CELSIUS fridge is still stocked. And if the cards fall right, don't be surprised if Allmendinger is the one spiking another energy drink in Victory Lane.