KANSAS CITY, KANSAS - MAY 10: AJ Allmendinger, driver of the #16 Action Industries Chevrolet, drives during practice for the NASCAR Cup Series AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway on May 10, 2025 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) | Getty Images
KANSAS CITY, KANSAS - MAY 10: AJ Allmendinger, driver of the #16 Action Industries Chevrolet, drives during practice for the NASCAR Cup Series AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway on May 10, 2025 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Kaulig Racing says A.J. Allmendinger will return to Cup next season

It came as no surprise …  that Allmendinger was uncertain about his status for next season — he has bounced between Kaulig’s Cup and Xfinity programs in recent years — when asked by The Athletic. Allmendinger said he wasn’t sure where things stood, but was happy to do whatever team owner Matt Kaulig and president Chris Rice thought best.

While Allmendinger’s future may be unclear, Rice left no doubt about which series Allmendinger will be competing in next year, stating that “100 percent” Allmendinger will remain as the driver of Kaulig’s No. 16 Cup entry. Keeping Allmendinger in the Cup makes sense, considering how much he has elevated the team’s performance.

The Athletic