One of the more curious NASCAR stories this spring surrounds newcomer Justin Allgaier, Roger Penske’s latest find. Allgaier just notched his first big NASCAR win three weeks ago at Bristol, in Penske’s Nationwide car. Now there is increasing speculation that Allgaier, soon to turn 24, may be ready to step up to Cup….perhaps as Penske’s fourth Sprint Cup driver, with Kurt Busch, Brad Keselowski and Sam Hornish. What is the Penske-Allgaier game plan? And how much depends on Nationwide sponsor Verizon – which is barred from putting its company logos on a Sprint Cup car? “The only plan is there is no plan,” Allgaier says. “Obviously Roger is very passionate about the sport and wants to make things happen in a time frame that makes the most sense. I basically told Roger and everybody that makes the decision at Penske Racing that I want the opportunity eventually. There’s a lot that would have to go into it (creating a fourth Cup team). Penske Racing is very good at being planned. I don’t think we would jump into anything. With Verizon being on our Nationwide car and not being able to go to the Cup side, I want to make sure it’s the right opportunity and we don’t ruin any relationships.”(MikeMulhern.net)(4-10-2010)
