NASCAR rumors: A.J. Allmendinger out at JTG Daugherty Racing, Ryan Preece in?
By Nick Tylwalk
Another veteran NASCAR Cup Series driver is out after 2018, though his rumored replacement should be popular with many fans.
With much of the attention during the current NASCAR Silly Season focused on the openings or potential vacancies at powerhouse teams like Stewart-Haas Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing, it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that every team is evaluating its options. JTG Daugherty Racing is one of those teams, and it is parting ways with A.J. Allmendinger at the end of the current season.
The 36-year-old Allmendinger is in the midst of completing his fourth season with the team, and while he’s not ever been a championship contender during that time, he has shown some flashes at times, particularly at road courses and in this season’s NASCAR All-Star Race.
However, JTG Daugherty Racing announced today that it was “moving in a different direction” for 2019.
“AJ Allmendinger has been a valuable asset to the growth of our company, and we are grateful for his professionalism with our brands and the passion he has shown for this race team over the years,” Tad Geschickter said in a team press release. “As hard as it may be, we’re moving in a different direction for the 2019 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season and will be parting ways at the end of this season. It’s not an easy decision and change is never easy. We wish him the very best in his endeavors and he will always be family to us.”
The wording of the release makes it sound like the the team may already have another driver lined up to replace Allmendinger. ESPN’s Bob Pockrass thinks he knows who it is.
Preece is leading candidate for the 47 from what I can tell. https://t.co/vOipA6q1gl
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) September 25, 2018
Ryan Preece would be a very popular pick to get a full-time Cup Series ride. He’s already impressed in cameo appearances in Joe Gibbs Racing XFINITY Series cars over the past few seasons, and he’s well-known in various regional series. At 27, he’s not young enough to be a future prospect so his time to prove himself at the top level is now.
Next. More Silly Season rumors: Both Stewart-Haas, Childress talking to Daniel Suarez. dark
As for Allmendinger, he could get caught in a tough spot if he decides he wants to keep racing full-time in a Cup Series. Race teams are showing a distinct taste for either proven veterans who have won recently or young, up and coming (and also cheaper) drivers with a chance to be the Next Big Thing. The ‘Dinger is neither, but he is fun to watch at road courses and an entertaining personality, so hopefully he lands on his feet.