The NASCAR Cup Series playoffs are already underway, with the second round of the “Round of 16” on Sunday at Watkins Glen International. Although Kaulig Racing has no skin in this game, that doesn’t stop the team from chasing trophies in the Finger Lakes area of New York.
In a weekend guaranteed to bring uncertainty and the debut of Goodyear’s new tire, one thing is certain: Kaulig Racing has the talent in its arsenal this weekend to deliver.
For just the third time this year, the organization will participate with a third part-time race as AJ Allmendinger, the winning NASCAR Xfinity Series driver, will enter the 90-lap race with the race’s title sponsor, GoBowling. com in the No. 13 Chevrolet Camaro.
Allmendinger will work with Daniel Hemric, Kaulig’s full-time NASCAR Cup Series driver, and Xfinity Series teammate Shane Van Gisbergen, who will drive the No. 16 for the fourth straight week at the 2.45-mile road course.
It’s a great opportunity for the Matt Kaulig-owned team to score a couple of good results, as both Allmendinger and Van Gisbergen have been successful on road courses in both the NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Allmendinger, who will join Kaulig Racing for a full-time Cup Series campaign in 2025, has found success in NASCAR’s premier division on road courses this season, with sixth-place finishes at Circuit of The Americas (COTA) and Sonoma Raceway.
“Watkins in the Glen Cup car has been really good for us the last couple of years,” Allmendinger said before the race. “We’ve had top-five speed, chances to win the race, and we’ve finished second and fourth there the last two years.”
The Los Gatos, Calif., native has been integral to the team’s success in the NASCAR Cup Series, amassing two wins for the team at Indianapolis Road Course in 2021 and Charlotte ROVAL in 2023, along with nine top-five finishes and 21 finishes. top 10
“I’m really excited about the opportunity to drive the No. 13 Go Bowling Chevrolet at Watkins Glen. With that car we don’t have to worry about points and can focus on using our strategy to win the race. I think we can run in front all day and have a great chance to steal the win.
Van Gisbergen has had similar pace, finishing in the top 12 at both of his road races this season, but has not been as lucky finishing in a wreck in Chicago and at COTA after a mechanical issue.
“I’m looking forward to the Cup car at Watkins Glen [International]”, Van Gisbergen said before the race. “It’s a road course, so I’m excited to see how my WeatherTech Chevrolet stacks up against the rest of the field. It won’t be easy, it will be a challenge, but very fun.
However, the NASCAR Xfinity Series has been an overall positive experience in Auckland, New Zealand, winning events at Portland International Raceway, Sonoma Raceway and the Chicago Street Course, but also crossing the finish line second at COTA before receiving a last-lap penalty.
“I have competed [at Watkins Glen International] before, but this time it’s a completely different experience in a stock car. I’m looking forward to going out [this weekend] and have fun in our WeatherTech Chevrolet. Hopefully we can celebrate again in Victory Lane.
The biggest overall benefit of having drivers land between NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series events is that there is a significant chance that Kaulig Racing will have a driver competing for the win in both Saturday and Sunday’s events.
Leaving Watkins Glen in New York with one trophy would be a fantastic scenario for Kaulig Racing, but two trophies? It would just be a dream.
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