AJ ALLMENDINGER
No. 43 U.S. Air Force Ford Fusion
• AJ Allmendinger has made six starts on the 2.5-mile Daytona Beach, Fla. track
• Allmendinger’s highest finish (third) at the track came in the 2009 Daytona 500
• Allmendinger led four laps in this year’s season opening event at Daytona International Speedway
AJ Allmendinger on Daytona International Speedway: “I’m excited to have the U.S. Air Force back on the car this weekend at Daytona. The night race at Daytona is always really cool. The atmosphere is electric and fans are going to see fireworks on and off the track this weekend. If I can avoid “The Big One” and find a good drafting partner, my U.S. Air Force Ford has a shot at ending up in Victory Lane at the end of what is sure to be a wild night with a crazy finish.”
Crew Chief Mike Shiplett on Daytona: “The 400-mile race in July is a little bit different than the Daytona 500 because we run at night. The Richard Petty Motorsports U.S. Air Force Ford will handle better because the track will be cooler. The racing surface has a lot of grip because of the repaving that they did and the RPM cars are going to be really strong. We are going to run together and we have a great plan going into the weekend. The two car draft will be more important than ever because the handling of the cars will be better than at the Daytona 500 where the cars would get tight. This weekend the cars won’t get tight and AJ will be able to keep it on the floor all the way around.”
Shiplett’s Keys to Winning Daytona: “Having good solid pit stops all day is key. You don’t want to have to come back into the pits for a mistake. You don’t want to make any unnecessary stops, because if you lose your drafting partner you are going to be in trouble when you go back out on the track. The biggest thing will be staying out of trouble and not getting caught up in someone else’s mistake. We need a good drafting partner and a fast car, and AJ needs a good finish this weekend in the No. 43 U.S. Air Force Ford Fusion.”
Chassis History: The No. 43 RPM team has prepared chassis No. 722 for this weekend’s event at Daytona International Speedway. This U.S. Air Force Ford has been run previously this year at Daytona and Talladega.
Notes: Allmendinger has competed in six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races on the 2.5-mile oval and has scored one top-five finish—a third-place effort in the 2009 Daytona 500 while driving the No. 44 Richard Petty Motorsports machine. Allmendinger has completed 954 of 1,056 laps completed leading 15 of them. He sits in the 15th position in the Sprint Cup Series driver point standings heading into the 17th race of the season at Daytona.
Allmendinger will have a different look this weekend as the U.S. Air Force makes its second appearance of the year as the primary partner of the No. 43 Ford Fusion.
Don’t miss out on your chance to meet Allmendinger as he will be appearing at the Best Buy mobile store in Daytona Beach, Fla. (1900 W. International Speedway, Daytona Beach, Fla., 32114). The appearance is scheduled for Wednesday, June 29, from 7-9 p.m. ET and is open to the public.
Can’t get enough of the Dinger? AJ will visit the Ford Display on Saturday at 3:20 p.m. and the Sprint Display at 4:15 p.m. for 15 minute Q-and-A sessions.
Credit - Richard Petty Motorsports PR
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Dinger Fan Story #1
Well, lets see, where to begin ... I didn't really know anything about AJ before he came to NASCAR for Red Bull Racing. I don't really follow open wheel racing but I did recognize his name from the sports shows. I really don't know what it was about AJ that got me in the beginning, maybe it was rooting for the underdog (I seem to do that all the time) or what, I don't know. All I know is that I was totally on board from the first time I saw him in his Red Bull firesuit. Then again, it could also have something to do with his hair... LOL I still find it amazing how it always looks so perfect, even when its been in a helmet for hours. I can totally admit that I may actually be a little jealous of the perfect hair thing... but something tells me I may not be alone there!!!
Ok, sorry about that, now back on topic. Those first few years were not easy to be an AJ fan. Not because he wasn't doing his best, because I know that he always drives his heart out, but when he was a go or go homer, qualifying was extremely stressful. I was always on pins and needles until it was over. There may have also been a few profanities yelled at the TV from time to time (not at AJ, of course). However, even through the hard times, I always saw, and still do, AJ's potential to be a great NASCAR driver. I hated how Red Bull treated him and let him go just as he was starting to show improvement, and I know that it has not been a smooth road at RPM, but through it all AJ always seemed positive and never gave up, and I totally love that about him. It seems that when the world keeps throwing lemons at him that he just digs his heels in harder and makes lemonade. I am certain that with all the turmoil over at RPM that he will get the chance to show the whole world just how great he really is.
I was so excited in 2008 when I got to Richmond for the fall race to see that AJ was going to be doing an autograph signing. I was also excited to get some great AJ merchandise so I could finally show off my support for AJ. However, Tropical Storm Hannah had different plans and the signing didn't happen and that totally sucked. I was lucky though the next year to meet AJ at an autograph signing in Homestead. We were all waiting at the back of the hauler on Sunday morning before the Cup race when AJ showed up. He actually took the time to stop and interact with the fans for a moment before he went inside to start the signing. I can tell you from other autograph signings that this was a rarity and very much appreciated by his fans. I eagerly awaited as the line slowly inched along until it was my turn to meet AJ. He was so great and took the time to small talk with everyone. I was also amazed at how down to earth he was. He made it feel like I was talking with the guy next door and not a NASCAR Sprint Cup driver, I wasn't jittery or anything. Now, anyone that knows me will tell you that I am always a bundle of nerves when I am getting ready to meet someone famous. AJ is really the only famous person I have met when I never felt nervous. In fact, I felt like I was talking with someone I have known for years. This is an amazing quality and one of the things that makes him so great not only as a driver but as a person.
Here are a few pictures I took in Miami.
Kimberley
Markham, Ontario, Canada
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Ok, sorry about that, now back on topic. Those first few years were not easy to be an AJ fan. Not because he wasn't doing his best, because I know that he always drives his heart out, but when he was a go or go homer, qualifying was extremely stressful. I was always on pins and needles until it was over. There may have also been a few profanities yelled at the TV from time to time (not at AJ, of course). However, even through the hard times, I always saw, and still do, AJ's potential to be a great NASCAR driver. I hated how Red Bull treated him and let him go just as he was starting to show improvement, and I know that it has not been a smooth road at RPM, but through it all AJ always seemed positive and never gave up, and I totally love that about him. It seems that when the world keeps throwing lemons at him that he just digs his heels in harder and makes lemonade. I am certain that with all the turmoil over at RPM that he will get the chance to show the whole world just how great he really is.
I was so excited in 2008 when I got to Richmond for the fall race to see that AJ was going to be doing an autograph signing. I was also excited to get some great AJ merchandise so I could finally show off my support for AJ. However, Tropical Storm Hannah had different plans and the signing didn't happen and that totally sucked. I was lucky though the next year to meet AJ at an autograph signing in Homestead. We were all waiting at the back of the hauler on Sunday morning before the Cup race when AJ showed up. He actually took the time to stop and interact with the fans for a moment before he went inside to start the signing. I can tell you from other autograph signings that this was a rarity and very much appreciated by his fans. I eagerly awaited as the line slowly inched along until it was my turn to meet AJ. He was so great and took the time to small talk with everyone. I was also amazed at how down to earth he was. He made it feel like I was talking with the guy next door and not a NASCAR Sprint Cup driver, I wasn't jittery or anything. Now, anyone that knows me will tell you that I am always a bundle of nerves when I am getting ready to meet someone famous. AJ is really the only famous person I have met when I never felt nervous. In fact, I felt like I was talking with someone I have known for years. This is an amazing quality and one of the things that makes him so great not only as a driver but as a person.
Here are a few pictures I took in Miami.
Kimberley
Markham, Ontario, Canada
Monday, June 27, 2011
Infineon Race Recap
AJ ALLMENDINGER
No. 43 Best Buy Ford Fusion
• AJ Allmendinger started in the seventh position Sunday afternoon at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California
• Allmendinger finished the 110-lap race in the 13th position
• Unofficially, Allmendinger sits in 15th place in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver point standings
Race Summary: AJ Allmendinger lined up for the start of the season’s first road course event in the seventh place. As soon as the green flag waved for the start of the 224-mile race at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif., Allmendinger began his charge toward the front of the pack. By the time the field came around to complete the first lap, Allmendinger had driven the Best Buy Ford Fusion into the top five.
Early radio communication between driver and crew was that the Richard Petty Motorsports Ford needed more rear grip. Crew Chief Mike Shiplett called for air pressure and wedge adjustments during the first pit stop of the day, which came on Lap 21 of the 110-lap race. Allmendinger remained in the top 10 throughout the first half of the event but lost some ground after getting tagged by the No. 2 car and spun around on Lap 65. The San Jose, Calif. native fell to 22nd in the following laps and drove to the attention of his crew for a scheduled pit stop at Lap 75. Shiplett called for another wedge adjustment to the car in an effort to assist his driver with the handling of the machine.
The No. 43 Best Buy Ford held down the 20th position when the yellow flag flew for an on-track incident involving the No. 14 car at Lap 88. During the ensuing extended caution period, Allmendinger relayed to Shiplett that the car was lacking side bite in the esses and rear grip. Shiplett called for the addition of a spring rubber in the right rear and four fresh tires during the Lap 89 pit stop. Allmendinger settled in for the restart in the 23rd spot.
Allmendinger began his charge to the front with 15 laps to go. One by one he picked off his competitors and with only 10 laps remaining in the race, had worked his way back into the top 15. Wheeling one of the fastest cars on the track in the closing laps, Allmendinger took the checkered flag in 13th place.
Allmendinger picked up two positions in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver point standings following the race in Sonoma. He now holds down 15th place heading to Daytona (Daytona Beach, Fla.) International Speedway next weekend.
Allmendinger’s Thoughts After the Race: “That was crazy just like always. The Best Buy Ford was pretty good, but from mid-race on we were kind of loose. Everybody was running into each other out there. I got into a couple guys and got them angry and then I had one guy dump me. I just tried to keep fighting. We are getting there. If we can get some luck on our side, we might actually be up front where we deserve to finish. It could have been a lot worse and 13th isn’t great, but it could have been a lot worse with 20 laps to go.”
Credit - Richard Petty Motorsports PR
No. 43 Best Buy Ford Fusion
• AJ Allmendinger started in the seventh position Sunday afternoon at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California
• Allmendinger finished the 110-lap race in the 13th position
• Unofficially, Allmendinger sits in 15th place in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver point standings
Race Summary: AJ Allmendinger lined up for the start of the season’s first road course event in the seventh place. As soon as the green flag waved for the start of the 224-mile race at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif., Allmendinger began his charge toward the front of the pack. By the time the field came around to complete the first lap, Allmendinger had driven the Best Buy Ford Fusion into the top five.
Early radio communication between driver and crew was that the Richard Petty Motorsports Ford needed more rear grip. Crew Chief Mike Shiplett called for air pressure and wedge adjustments during the first pit stop of the day, which came on Lap 21 of the 110-lap race. Allmendinger remained in the top 10 throughout the first half of the event but lost some ground after getting tagged by the No. 2 car and spun around on Lap 65. The San Jose, Calif. native fell to 22nd in the following laps and drove to the attention of his crew for a scheduled pit stop at Lap 75. Shiplett called for another wedge adjustment to the car in an effort to assist his driver with the handling of the machine.
The No. 43 Best Buy Ford held down the 20th position when the yellow flag flew for an on-track incident involving the No. 14 car at Lap 88. During the ensuing extended caution period, Allmendinger relayed to Shiplett that the car was lacking side bite in the esses and rear grip. Shiplett called for the addition of a spring rubber in the right rear and four fresh tires during the Lap 89 pit stop. Allmendinger settled in for the restart in the 23rd spot.
Allmendinger began his charge to the front with 15 laps to go. One by one he picked off his competitors and with only 10 laps remaining in the race, had worked his way back into the top 15. Wheeling one of the fastest cars on the track in the closing laps, Allmendinger took the checkered flag in 13th place.
Allmendinger picked up two positions in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver point standings following the race in Sonoma. He now holds down 15th place heading to Daytona (Daytona Beach, Fla.) International Speedway next weekend.
Allmendinger’s Thoughts After the Race: “That was crazy just like always. The Best Buy Ford was pretty good, but from mid-race on we were kind of loose. Everybody was running into each other out there. I got into a couple guys and got them angry and then I had one guy dump me. I just tried to keep fighting. We are getting there. If we can get some luck on our side, we might actually be up front where we deserve to finish. It could have been a lot worse and 13th isn’t great, but it could have been a lot worse with 20 laps to go.”
Credit - Richard Petty Motorsports PR
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Infineon Post-Race Quotes
MARCOS AMBROSE, No. 9 Stanley Ford Fusion
Finished 5th
“I am so proud of my Stanley car and my Stanley team to get a top five out of what could have been a very tough day for me. Todd and the guys worked hard all day and got us into a good position there at the end. We weren’t able to get the million dollars for the Children’s Miracle Network kids, but thanks to Stanley they will get $100,000. I want to thank Stanley for putting me in the car and believing in me and I am looking forward to what we can do the rest of the way and when we get to the Glen.”
***
AJ ALLMENDINGER, No. 43 Best Buy Ford Fusion
Finished 13th
“That was crazy just like always. The car was pretty good and I think from about mid-race on we kind of got loose. The track, there was so much crap on the race track and we kept adjusting. Everybody was running into each other out there. I got into a couple guys and got them angry and then I had one guy dump me. I just tried to keep fighting. We are getting there. If we can get some luck on our side we might actually be up front where we deserve to finish. It could have been a lot worse and 13th isn’t great, but it could have been a lot worse with 20 to go. Now we can go have more fun at Daytona.”
Credit - Ford Racing
Finished 5th
“I am so proud of my Stanley car and my Stanley team to get a top five out of what could have been a very tough day for me. Todd and the guys worked hard all day and got us into a good position there at the end. We weren’t able to get the million dollars for the Children’s Miracle Network kids, but thanks to Stanley they will get $100,000. I want to thank Stanley for putting me in the car and believing in me and I am looking forward to what we can do the rest of the way and when we get to the Glen.”
***
AJ ALLMENDINGER, No. 43 Best Buy Ford Fusion
Finished 13th
“That was crazy just like always. The car was pretty good and I think from about mid-race on we kind of got loose. The track, there was so much crap on the race track and we kept adjusting. Everybody was running into each other out there. I got into a couple guys and got them angry and then I had one guy dump me. I just tried to keep fighting. We are getting there. If we can get some luck on our side we might actually be up front where we deserve to finish. It could have been a lot worse and 13th isn’t great, but it could have been a lot worse with 20 to go. Now we can go have more fun at Daytona.”
Credit - Ford Racing
Friday, June 24, 2011
Infineon Qualifying Quotes
AJ ALLMENDINGER, No. 43 Best Buy Ford Fusion
Qualified 7th
“That was a lot better than I usually qualify here. I will take it. I think my best ever was 17th here, so that was okay. The lap was solid. I felt like I could have gotten a little bit more but overall I hit my marks fairly decent. I am pleased with it. It is a lot better than we have ever started here and I think the car is pretty decent so we will keep working on it tomorrow and keep working on forward drive. I will take it.”
***
MARCOS AMBROSE, No. 9 Stanley Ford Fusion
Qualified 8th
“That was good. We were struggling in practice a little bit but we got a gain there so I feel better about it. We are going to get a good race car out of it we just have to keep working away. This new tire they brought here has thrown us for a loop a little bit. We just aren’t quite prepared for it. We will get it right by Sunday.”
Credit - Ford Racing
Qualified 7th
“That was a lot better than I usually qualify here. I will take it. I think my best ever was 17th here, so that was okay. The lap was solid. I felt like I could have gotten a little bit more but overall I hit my marks fairly decent. I am pleased with it. It is a lot better than we have ever started here and I think the car is pretty decent so we will keep working on it tomorrow and keep working on forward drive. I will take it.”
***
MARCOS AMBROSE, No. 9 Stanley Ford Fusion
Qualified 8th
“That was good. We were struggling in practice a little bit but we got a gain there so I feel better about it. We are going to get a good race car out of it we just have to keep working away. This new tire they brought here has thrown us for a loop a little bit. We just aren’t quite prepared for it. We will get it right by Sunday.”
Credit - Ford Racing
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Infineon Race Preview
AJ ALLMENDINGER
No. 43 Best Buy Ford Fusion
• Allmendinger has made three starts at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California.
• Allmendinger enters the race in 17th place in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver point standings
• Allmendinger’s best finish (seventh) at the track came in the 2009 event
Allmendinger on the Keys to Success in Sonoma: “My plan is to follow Marcos [teammate Marcos Ambrose] around (laughs). I’m going to try to do that most of the race and then pass him on the last lap, hopefully.
“No, in all seriousness, we’ll have to get the Best Buy Ford Fusion turning fairly good in the corner, but the biggest thing is you have to have forward drive off all the way through the esses. In 2009 we were pretty good there and we had good forward drive the whole time and it made passing pretty easy in Turn 11. Last year we didn't have any forward drive and we were getting killed there. That’s the biggest thing, and like I said, just follow Marcos.”
Crew Chief Mike Shiplett’s Keys to Getting Around Sonoma: “You have to be able to keep good forward bite off the corner. You need good turn in the middle, but it's more the forward bite off the corner that you need to concentrate on. Keeping all four wheels on the asphalt and not in the grass is also certainly something that is important. You also need to be getting good fuel mileage so you can open up your windows on pit stops and you have more choices of when you can and can't pit.
“Qualifying is important, but there’s not a huge advantage for picking a pit stall on pit road because you don't plan on coming down under a yellow flag condition on a road course race. You work the race backwards. Ideally, you want to be the first one on pit road after you are able to make it to the end of the race.”
Chassis History: The No. 43 RPM team has prepared chassis No. 760 for this weekend’s event at Infineon Raceway. Though this weekend will mark the first time this particular car has been utilized this season. Allmendinger and the No. 43 team tested it several times at Virginia International Raceway.
Notes: Allmendinger has three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at Infineon Raceway. Allmendinger’s best starting position 15th at the 1.99-mile track came in last season’s event.
Allmendinger will head to Sonoma early to take part in a media luncheon at McCormick and Kuleto’s on Thursday afternoon. Several NASCAR drivers including California native, Allmendinger, will attend.
Richard Petty will be featured in Sonoma’s Legends of Racing program this weekend. Three of the biggest names in NASCAR history will be featured throughout the race weekend: The trio, which features Bobby Allison, Petty and Ned Jarrett, will be featured during a special Q&A session on race day, Sunday, June 26, during pre-event ceremonies.
On Saturday, June 25, following final practice, AJ will join members of his fan club in the Turn 10 tower suites at Infineon Raceway. Fans will have the opportunity to participate in a meet and greet/Q-and-A session with AJ as well as win some great prizes, including AJ gear, a GARMIN gps unit from Best Buy and a special grand prize. Space is still available at http://www.infineonraceway.com/ajfanclub/.
Visit the Richard Petty Motorsports website at www.richardpettymotorsports.com for up-to-date news and information about AJ Allmendinger, partner promotions and all things Richard Petty Motorsports.
Credit - Richard Petty Motorsports PR
No. 43 Best Buy Ford Fusion
• Allmendinger has made three starts at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California.
• Allmendinger enters the race in 17th place in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver point standings
• Allmendinger’s best finish (seventh) at the track came in the 2009 event
Allmendinger on the Keys to Success in Sonoma: “My plan is to follow Marcos [teammate Marcos Ambrose] around (laughs). I’m going to try to do that most of the race and then pass him on the last lap, hopefully.
“No, in all seriousness, we’ll have to get the Best Buy Ford Fusion turning fairly good in the corner, but the biggest thing is you have to have forward drive off all the way through the esses. In 2009 we were pretty good there and we had good forward drive the whole time and it made passing pretty easy in Turn 11. Last year we didn't have any forward drive and we were getting killed there. That’s the biggest thing, and like I said, just follow Marcos.”
Crew Chief Mike Shiplett’s Keys to Getting Around Sonoma: “You have to be able to keep good forward bite off the corner. You need good turn in the middle, but it's more the forward bite off the corner that you need to concentrate on. Keeping all four wheels on the asphalt and not in the grass is also certainly something that is important. You also need to be getting good fuel mileage so you can open up your windows on pit stops and you have more choices of when you can and can't pit.
“Qualifying is important, but there’s not a huge advantage for picking a pit stall on pit road because you don't plan on coming down under a yellow flag condition on a road course race. You work the race backwards. Ideally, you want to be the first one on pit road after you are able to make it to the end of the race.”
Chassis History: The No. 43 RPM team has prepared chassis No. 760 for this weekend’s event at Infineon Raceway. Though this weekend will mark the first time this particular car has been utilized this season. Allmendinger and the No. 43 team tested it several times at Virginia International Raceway.
Notes: Allmendinger has three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at Infineon Raceway. Allmendinger’s best starting position 15th at the 1.99-mile track came in last season’s event.
Allmendinger will head to Sonoma early to take part in a media luncheon at McCormick and Kuleto’s on Thursday afternoon. Several NASCAR drivers including California native, Allmendinger, will attend.
Richard Petty will be featured in Sonoma’s Legends of Racing program this weekend. Three of the biggest names in NASCAR history will be featured throughout the race weekend: The trio, which features Bobby Allison, Petty and Ned Jarrett, will be featured during a special Q&A session on race day, Sunday, June 26, during pre-event ceremonies.
On Saturday, June 25, following final practice, AJ will join members of his fan club in the Turn 10 tower suites at Infineon Raceway. Fans will have the opportunity to participate in a meet and greet/Q-and-A session with AJ as well as win some great prizes, including AJ gear, a GARMIN gps unit from Best Buy and a special grand prize. Space is still available at http://www.infineonraceway.com/ajfanclub/.
Visit the Richard Petty Motorsports website at www.richardpettymotorsports.com for up-to-date news and information about AJ Allmendinger, partner promotions and all things Richard Petty Motorsports.
Credit - Richard Petty Motorsports PR
Monday, June 20, 2011
Michigan Race Recap
AJ ALLMENDINGER
No. 43 Best Buy Ford Fusion
■AJ Allmendinger started in the 26th position Sunday afternoon at Michigan International Speedway
■Allmendinger finished the 200-lap event at the 2.0-mile oval in the 13th position
■ Unofficially, Allmendinger sits in 17th place in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver point standings
Race Summary: Starting from the 26th position for Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at Michigan International Speedway, AJ Allmendinger moved into the 11th spot by virtue of a two-tire pit stop early in the event. Allmendinger communicated to his Best Buy crew that the No. 43 Ford Fusion was becoming tight 28 laps into the 200-lap event.
A pit stop under yellow flag conditions at Lap 29 enabled the crew to make a minor air pressure adjustment to the new left front tire being put on the car in an effort to make the car turn better in the middle of the corners. After a bit of a slow stop, the Best Buy Ford lined up for the Lap 31 restart in the 22nd spot.
The car remained somewhat tight, but Allmendinger was able to maneuver his ride into the Top 10 by Lap 50. After another scheduled four-tire stop at Lap 62, Allmendinger began to make his move toward the front of the field, running in seventh by Lap 68 and moving all the way up to fourth place at Lap 89. The Best Buy Ford remained inside the Top five until Lap 141 when Allmendinger radioed to Crew Chief Mike Shiplett that he was struggling a bit with the handling of the car and he needed the front end to turn better. A track bar adjustment was made during the next stop, which occurred at Lap 153. Like quite a few of the front running cars, Allmendinger was caught a lap down when a caution flag flew at Lap 159. Several cars had not yet made pit stops and the team was forced to take the wave around during the ensuing restart. Allmendinger lined up for the Lap 164 green flag on the lead lap in 19th place.
The handling of the No. 43 car became extremely tight following a minor on-track incident late in the event. Just after making what was to be his final pit stop of the day at Lap 189, the caution flag flew once again. The No. 43 was awarded the Lucky Dog and lined up for the Lap 196 restart in 19th position. Allmendinger worked hard those last four laps and had maneuvered into the 13th place by the time the checkered flag flew.
Allmendinger picked up one position in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver point standings following the race in Michigan. He now holds down 17th place heading to the road course at Infineon Raceway next weekend.
No. 43 Best Buy Ford Fusion
■AJ Allmendinger started in the 26th position Sunday afternoon at Michigan International Speedway
■Allmendinger finished the 200-lap event at the 2.0-mile oval in the 13th position
■ Unofficially, Allmendinger sits in 17th place in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver point standings
Race Summary: Starting from the 26th position for Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at Michigan International Speedway, AJ Allmendinger moved into the 11th spot by virtue of a two-tire pit stop early in the event. Allmendinger communicated to his Best Buy crew that the No. 43 Ford Fusion was becoming tight 28 laps into the 200-lap event.
A pit stop under yellow flag conditions at Lap 29 enabled the crew to make a minor air pressure adjustment to the new left front tire being put on the car in an effort to make the car turn better in the middle of the corners. After a bit of a slow stop, the Best Buy Ford lined up for the Lap 31 restart in the 22nd spot.
The car remained somewhat tight, but Allmendinger was able to maneuver his ride into the Top 10 by Lap 50. After another scheduled four-tire stop at Lap 62, Allmendinger began to make his move toward the front of the field, running in seventh by Lap 68 and moving all the way up to fourth place at Lap 89. The Best Buy Ford remained inside the Top five until Lap 141 when Allmendinger radioed to Crew Chief Mike Shiplett that he was struggling a bit with the handling of the car and he needed the front end to turn better. A track bar adjustment was made during the next stop, which occurred at Lap 153. Like quite a few of the front running cars, Allmendinger was caught a lap down when a caution flag flew at Lap 159. Several cars had not yet made pit stops and the team was forced to take the wave around during the ensuing restart. Allmendinger lined up for the Lap 164 green flag on the lead lap in 19th place.
The handling of the No. 43 car became extremely tight following a minor on-track incident late in the event. Just after making what was to be his final pit stop of the day at Lap 189, the caution flag flew once again. The No. 43 was awarded the Lucky Dog and lined up for the Lap 196 restart in 19th position. Allmendinger worked hard those last four laps and had maneuvered into the 13th place by the time the checkered flag flew.
Allmendinger picked up one position in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver point standings following the race in Michigan. He now holds down 17th place heading to the road course at Infineon Raceway next weekend.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Michigan Post-Race Quote
AJ ALLMENDINGER - No. 43 Best Buy Ford Fusion
Finished 13th
“That run was a credit to the Ford team in general. We struggled really bad. We were okay Friday and started struggling at the end of the day and we were really bad in qualifying. We looked at some notes and went off the other Ford cars, a different direction than we had been before and the car was great all day. I am going to blame Dale Inman, I think he did something in his past life to give us all this bad luck on this team (laughter).”
DOES LOSING A CHANCE TO GAIN POINTS THIS WEEK MAKE NEXT WEEK MORE CRITICAL FOR YOU? “No. Points don’t matter right now. We have to get better. We aren’t a Chase team right now. Points to me, obviously you want to score every point you can but we need to be better before we worry about making the Chase. Today was a big step. We were never really good here and we were a top-five car all day. Thirteenth sucks in the end compared to what we had, but I am proud of what we did today instead of the points.”
Credit - Ford Racing
Finished 13th
“That run was a credit to the Ford team in general. We struggled really bad. We were okay Friday and started struggling at the end of the day and we were really bad in qualifying. We looked at some notes and went off the other Ford cars, a different direction than we had been before and the car was great all day. I am going to blame Dale Inman, I think he did something in his past life to give us all this bad luck on this team (laughter).”
DOES LOSING A CHANCE TO GAIN POINTS THIS WEEK MAKE NEXT WEEK MORE CRITICAL FOR YOU? “No. Points don’t matter right now. We have to get better. We aren’t a Chase team right now. Points to me, obviously you want to score every point you can but we need to be better before we worry about making the Chase. Today was a big step. We were never really good here and we were a top-five car all day. Thirteenth sucks in the end compared to what we had, but I am proud of what we did today instead of the points.”
Credit - Ford Racing
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Michigan Race Preview
AJ ALLMENDINGER
No. 43 Best Buy Ford Fusion
• Allmendinger has made seven starts at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Mich.
• Allmendinger enters the race in 18th place in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver point standings
• Allmendinger’s best start (sixth) at the track came in the 2009 spring race.
Allmendinger on Michigan: “We love racing in Ford's backyard. It gives us the chance to be able to thank them for everything they do for us and it means a lot to us to be able to do that for all of our partners. It would be pretty great to win my first race with everyone from Ford in attendance.
"We haven’t run as well as we would have liked the past couple of weeks, but Mike Shiplett, the Best Buy crew and I are working hard to figure out what we need to do and we're happy to be headed back to a track where we ran well last year. We want to be one of the strongest Ford teams in the field and hopefully this weekend will be a turning point and we can get some momentum back with a good finish at Michigan on Sunday.”
Crew Chief Mike Shiplett’s Keys to Getting Around Michigan: “Michigan is a very unique track. It doesn’t have a lot of banking, but it’s a very big track. It has four or five different lines the cars can actually run on, so you try to set up the car for one groove and then AJ can move around and change lines to try and help adjust the handling of the car as needed. It’s really a driver dependent track. It’s up to AJ on which line he wants to run and how the Best Buy Ford feels in the various grooves. Pit stops and track position are key everywhere we go, but especially at Michigan because even though it is a wide track it’s still very hard to pass on because the cars are so equal. Fuel mileage will also be important this weekend.
“The biggest challenge we will face as a team in Michigan is that the car starts one way in the beginning of a run and it will change 180 degrees by the end of the run because the tires wear out so fast. Michigan is a grip dominated track and it will really be key to manage the balance between the beginning of a fuel run and the end of a fuel run.”
Chassis History: The No. 43 RPM team has prepared chassis No. 710 for this weekend’s event at Michigan International Speedway. This Best Buy Ford has been run previously this season at Bristol and Dover.
Notes: Allmendinger has seven NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at Michigan International Speedway. Allmendinger’s best starting position (sixth) at the two-mile track came in 2009. He has led one lap at Michigan and completed 1,343 of 1,403 laps attempted. Allmendinger enters the weekend in 18th spot in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series point standings.
Allmendinger’s car will have a different look this weekend than in past weekends as Best Buy will return as the primary partner of the No. 43 Ford Fusion.
Can’t get enough of AJ? The Dinger will be signing autographs at the Best Buy store in Jackson, Mich. (1014 Jackson Crossing, Jackson, Mich., 49202). The appearance is scheduled for Thursday, June 16, from 7-8 p.m. ET and is open to the public.
Don’t miss out on your chance to meet “The King!” Richard Petty will make a Best Buy store appearance in Perrysburg, Ohio (10017 Fremont Pike, Perrysburg, Ohio, 43551). The appearance is scheduled for Friday, June 17 from 7-9 p.m. ET. The first 300 people in line will get a ticket giving them access to the appearance.
Credit - Richard Petty Motorsports Press Release
No. 43 Best Buy Ford Fusion
• Allmendinger has made seven starts at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Mich.
• Allmendinger enters the race in 18th place in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver point standings
• Allmendinger’s best start (sixth) at the track came in the 2009 spring race.
Allmendinger on Michigan: “We love racing in Ford's backyard. It gives us the chance to be able to thank them for everything they do for us and it means a lot to us to be able to do that for all of our partners. It would be pretty great to win my first race with everyone from Ford in attendance.
"We haven’t run as well as we would have liked the past couple of weeks, but Mike Shiplett, the Best Buy crew and I are working hard to figure out what we need to do and we're happy to be headed back to a track where we ran well last year. We want to be one of the strongest Ford teams in the field and hopefully this weekend will be a turning point and we can get some momentum back with a good finish at Michigan on Sunday.”
Crew Chief Mike Shiplett’s Keys to Getting Around Michigan: “Michigan is a very unique track. It doesn’t have a lot of banking, but it’s a very big track. It has four or five different lines the cars can actually run on, so you try to set up the car for one groove and then AJ can move around and change lines to try and help adjust the handling of the car as needed. It’s really a driver dependent track. It’s up to AJ on which line he wants to run and how the Best Buy Ford feels in the various grooves. Pit stops and track position are key everywhere we go, but especially at Michigan because even though it is a wide track it’s still very hard to pass on because the cars are so equal. Fuel mileage will also be important this weekend.
“The biggest challenge we will face as a team in Michigan is that the car starts one way in the beginning of a run and it will change 180 degrees by the end of the run because the tires wear out so fast. Michigan is a grip dominated track and it will really be key to manage the balance between the beginning of a fuel run and the end of a fuel run.”
Chassis History: The No. 43 RPM team has prepared chassis No. 710 for this weekend’s event at Michigan International Speedway. This Best Buy Ford has been run previously this season at Bristol and Dover.
Notes: Allmendinger has seven NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at Michigan International Speedway. Allmendinger’s best starting position (sixth) at the two-mile track came in 2009. He has led one lap at Michigan and completed 1,343 of 1,403 laps attempted. Allmendinger enters the weekend in 18th spot in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series point standings.
Allmendinger’s car will have a different look this weekend than in past weekends as Best Buy will return as the primary partner of the No. 43 Ford Fusion.
Can’t get enough of AJ? The Dinger will be signing autographs at the Best Buy store in Jackson, Mich. (1014 Jackson Crossing, Jackson, Mich., 49202). The appearance is scheduled for Thursday, June 16, from 7-8 p.m. ET and is open to the public.
Don’t miss out on your chance to meet “The King!” Richard Petty will make a Best Buy store appearance in Perrysburg, Ohio (10017 Fremont Pike, Perrysburg, Ohio, 43551). The appearance is scheduled for Friday, June 17 from 7-9 p.m. ET. The first 300 people in line will get a ticket giving them access to the appearance.
Credit - Richard Petty Motorsports Press Release
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Pocono Race Recap
AJ ALLMENDINGER
No. 43 Medallion Financial Ford Fusion
• AJ Allmendinger started in the 28th position Sunday afternoon at Pocono Raceway
• Allmendinger finished the 200-lap event at the 2.5-mile tri-oval in the 25th position
• Unofficially, Allmendinger sits in 18th place in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver point standings
Race Summary: AJ Allmendinger lined up in the 28th spot for the start of the 500-mile race at Pocono Raceway on Sunday afternoon. An early caution period enabled Allmendinger to communicate to crew chief Mike Shiplett that the Medallion Financial Ford was tight on entry in the turns and loose in the center and exiting the turns. Shiplett called for chassis adjustments and four fresh tires and fuel during the first pit stop of the day, which came on Lap 10.
Restarting in the 40th position, Allmendinger relayed to Shiplett and crew the changes made during the previous pit stop had not helped the handling of the car, and the Medallion Financial Ford had no grip and was sliding all over the racetrack. Shiplett continued to make adjustments to the car during the ensuing pit stops to help remedy the car’s handling issues, and after a routine pit stop under green on Lap 65, Allmendinger let his team know the No. 43 machine was driving better. At the halfway point of the race, Allmendinger had worked his way back up through the field and was running in the 23rd position.
As the laps wore on, Allmendinger began to fight more and more with the handling of the Medallion Financial Ford and couldn’t seem to get it to turn through the center of the corners. Shiplett instructed his Richard Petty Motorsports crew to make an array of chassis adjustments during the next several pit stops to help correct the condition. Trouble in the pits due to the rear air gun exploding during the seventh pit stop of the day, coupled with handling issues, caused Allmendinger to fall a lap down in the later stages of the 200-lap event.
Though Shiplett and crew worked to correct the handling issues during the final pit stops of the day, Allmendinger was unable to get his lap back and crossed the finish line in the 25th position when the checkered flag flew.
Allmendinger fell two positions in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver point standings following the race in Pocono. He now holds down 18th place heading to Michigan International Speedway next weekend.
No. 43 Medallion Financial Ford Fusion
• AJ Allmendinger started in the 28th position Sunday afternoon at Pocono Raceway
• Allmendinger finished the 200-lap event at the 2.5-mile tri-oval in the 25th position
• Unofficially, Allmendinger sits in 18th place in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver point standings
Race Summary: AJ Allmendinger lined up in the 28th spot for the start of the 500-mile race at Pocono Raceway on Sunday afternoon. An early caution period enabled Allmendinger to communicate to crew chief Mike Shiplett that the Medallion Financial Ford was tight on entry in the turns and loose in the center and exiting the turns. Shiplett called for chassis adjustments and four fresh tires and fuel during the first pit stop of the day, which came on Lap 10.
Restarting in the 40th position, Allmendinger relayed to Shiplett and crew the changes made during the previous pit stop had not helped the handling of the car, and the Medallion Financial Ford had no grip and was sliding all over the racetrack. Shiplett continued to make adjustments to the car during the ensuing pit stops to help remedy the car’s handling issues, and after a routine pit stop under green on Lap 65, Allmendinger let his team know the No. 43 machine was driving better. At the halfway point of the race, Allmendinger had worked his way back up through the field and was running in the 23rd position.
As the laps wore on, Allmendinger began to fight more and more with the handling of the Medallion Financial Ford and couldn’t seem to get it to turn through the center of the corners. Shiplett instructed his Richard Petty Motorsports crew to make an array of chassis adjustments during the next several pit stops to help correct the condition. Trouble in the pits due to the rear air gun exploding during the seventh pit stop of the day, coupled with handling issues, caused Allmendinger to fall a lap down in the later stages of the 200-lap event.
Though Shiplett and crew worked to correct the handling issues during the final pit stops of the day, Allmendinger was unable to get his lap back and crossed the finish line in the 25th position when the checkered flag flew.
Allmendinger fell two positions in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver point standings following the race in Pocono. He now holds down 18th place heading to Michigan International Speedway next weekend.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Pocono Race Preview
AJ ALLMENDINGER
No. 43 Medallion Financial Ford Fusion
• Allmendinger has made seven starts at Pocono (Penn.) Raceway
• Allmendinger enters the race in 16th place in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver point standings
• Allmendinger’s best finish (10th) at the 2.5-mile track came in last year’s June race
AJ Allmendinger on Pocono: “Pocono is a cool race track. It’s different than any other track we go to this year. I’m really looking forward to going to the “Tricky Triangle.” Pocono is a track that is bumpy in certain areas and we really can’t make the car perfect in all three of the turns, so we’ve got to pick and choose what areas we need to be the best in. This year will be a little bit of a different driving experience than I have ever had at Pocono because I’ll be shifting. We haven’t had to shift at Pocono in almost 10 years, so that will be a learning experience. I always look forward to Pocono even though the race is really long. Medallion Financial is on the car this weekend and they are bringing a ton of people to the track, so I really want to get a good finish for them and my whole Richard Petty Motorsports team.”
Crew Chief Mike Shiplett’s Thoughts on Pocono: “Pocono Raceway has three unique corners and the longest straightaway of any track we go to. Turn 1 is a sweeping, long, slow entry turn and is really bumpy. To keep the splitter from hitting the ground in Turn 1 we’ll have to use more spring than we want to on the Medallion Financial Ford. The extra spring hurts us on exit of Turn 1 and Turn 2, the tunnel turn, which is really fast. It also makes us too tight coming off of Turn 3. We’ll have to give up something in Turn 1 to make us better on other parts of the track. A lot of crews want to give up a little bit of performance in Turn 1, because there is such a long straightaway off of Turn 3 and the driver can really make up a lot of time going down the front straightaway going into Turn 1.
“We’ll use a lot of brakes at Pocono. The thing about Pocono is that you have a lot of time for the brakes to cool down in between the turns. So saving the brakes is a big issue, but it’s not a big issue in the heat sense like it is at a lot of the other tracks we go to, so you can get away with a lot more.”
Chassis History: The No. 43 RPM team has prepared chassis No. 729 for this weekend’s event at Pocono. This Medallion Financial Ford Fusion has been run previously this season at Phoenix, Martinsville Speedway and Darlington Raceway.
Notes: Allmendinger has seven starts and two Top-15 finishes at Pocono Raceway. Allmendinger’s best finishing position at Pocono (10th) came in last year’s June race. Allmendinger enters this weekend in 16th place in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver point standings. Allmendinger has completed 1,307 of 1,310 laps attempted at the 2.5-mile tri-oval.
Allmendinger will have a different look this weekend as Medallion Financial will be the primary partner of the No. 43 Ford Fusion. The Sprint Cup Series will implement a new qualifying procedure this weekend at Pocono. Under the new format, the go-or-go home cars will be interspersed with cars from the top 35 in owner points that are guaranteed starting spots. Qualifying order will be set by speeds established in the first practice session only, with slowest going out first and fastest qualifying last.
Allmendinger and team owner Richard Petty will be going to Nashville (Tenn.), Thursday on behalf of Richard Petty Motorsports partner, Super 8, to participate in media activities taking place around the CMA Music Festival. In addition, Allmendinger will be making an appearance at the Super 8 display in the Fun Zone from 10 a.m. — noon to sign autographs.
Credit - Richard Petty Motorsports PR
No. 43 Medallion Financial Ford Fusion
• Allmendinger has made seven starts at Pocono (Penn.) Raceway
• Allmendinger enters the race in 16th place in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver point standings
• Allmendinger’s best finish (10th) at the 2.5-mile track came in last year’s June race
AJ Allmendinger on Pocono: “Pocono is a cool race track. It’s different than any other track we go to this year. I’m really looking forward to going to the “Tricky Triangle.” Pocono is a track that is bumpy in certain areas and we really can’t make the car perfect in all three of the turns, so we’ve got to pick and choose what areas we need to be the best in. This year will be a little bit of a different driving experience than I have ever had at Pocono because I’ll be shifting. We haven’t had to shift at Pocono in almost 10 years, so that will be a learning experience. I always look forward to Pocono even though the race is really long. Medallion Financial is on the car this weekend and they are bringing a ton of people to the track, so I really want to get a good finish for them and my whole Richard Petty Motorsports team.”
Crew Chief Mike Shiplett’s Thoughts on Pocono: “Pocono Raceway has three unique corners and the longest straightaway of any track we go to. Turn 1 is a sweeping, long, slow entry turn and is really bumpy. To keep the splitter from hitting the ground in Turn 1 we’ll have to use more spring than we want to on the Medallion Financial Ford. The extra spring hurts us on exit of Turn 1 and Turn 2, the tunnel turn, which is really fast. It also makes us too tight coming off of Turn 3. We’ll have to give up something in Turn 1 to make us better on other parts of the track. A lot of crews want to give up a little bit of performance in Turn 1, because there is such a long straightaway off of Turn 3 and the driver can really make up a lot of time going down the front straightaway going into Turn 1.
“We’ll use a lot of brakes at Pocono. The thing about Pocono is that you have a lot of time for the brakes to cool down in between the turns. So saving the brakes is a big issue, but it’s not a big issue in the heat sense like it is at a lot of the other tracks we go to, so you can get away with a lot more.”
Chassis History: The No. 43 RPM team has prepared chassis No. 729 for this weekend’s event at Pocono. This Medallion Financial Ford Fusion has been run previously this season at Phoenix, Martinsville Speedway and Darlington Raceway.
Notes: Allmendinger has seven starts and two Top-15 finishes at Pocono Raceway. Allmendinger’s best finishing position at Pocono (10th) came in last year’s June race. Allmendinger enters this weekend in 16th place in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver point standings. Allmendinger has completed 1,307 of 1,310 laps attempted at the 2.5-mile tri-oval.
Allmendinger will have a different look this weekend as Medallion Financial will be the primary partner of the No. 43 Ford Fusion. The Sprint Cup Series will implement a new qualifying procedure this weekend at Pocono. Under the new format, the go-or-go home cars will be interspersed with cars from the top 35 in owner points that are guaranteed starting spots. Qualifying order will be set by speeds established in the first practice session only, with slowest going out first and fastest qualifying last.
Allmendinger and team owner Richard Petty will be going to Nashville (Tenn.), Thursday on behalf of Richard Petty Motorsports partner, Super 8, to participate in media activities taking place around the CMA Music Festival. In addition, Allmendinger will be making an appearance at the Super 8 display in the Fun Zone from 10 a.m. — noon to sign autographs.
Credit - Richard Petty Motorsports PR
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
AJ in Two Words
In AJ's latest FoxSports video, people close to AJ were asked to describe the driver of the #43 Richard Petty Motorsports Ford in two words. Here are the results:
I conducted my own Twitter survey to see how fans would describe AJ using just two words. Here is a compilation of what people said about the young NASCAR driver.
AJ in Two Words
Perfect Hair
Cool Guy
Personality Plus
Determined Funny
Imminent Winner
Raw Talent
Committed Trying hard
Tenacious Patriotic
Fantasy Killer
Consistent Dedicated
Terrible Golfer
Little Bit
Short Temper
Hates Frenchies
Fan Friendly
I conducted my own Twitter survey to see how fans would describe AJ using just two words. Here is a compilation of what people said about the young NASCAR driver.
AJ in Two Words
Perfect Hair
Cool Guy
Personality Plus
Determined Funny
Imminent Winner
Raw Talent
Committed Trying hard
Tenacious Patriotic
Fantasy Killer
Consistent Dedicated
Terrible Golfer
Little Bit
Short Temper
Hates Frenchies
Fan Friendly
Monday, June 6, 2011
Kansas Race Review
AJ ALLMENDINGER
No. 43 STP Ford Fusion
• AJ Allmendinger started in the 26th position Sunday afternoon at Kansas Speedway
• Allmendinger wheeled his way to a 27th-place finishing position
• Unofficially, Allmendinger sits in 16th place in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver point standings
Race Summary: AJ Allmendinger lined up his STP Ford Fusion in the 26th starting position for Sunday’s STP 400 at Kansas Speedway. With a paint scheme resembling team owner Richard Petty’s 1972 STP ride, Allmendinger and his RPM team had high hopes for a successful day.
Not long after the drop of the green flag, Allmendinger let Crew Chief Mike Shiplett know that the No. 43 Ford was lacking rear grip. Shiplett made plans to make air pressure and track bar adjustments during the first pit stop of the day, which came under green flag conditions at Lap 42 of the 267-lap race.
Allmendinger had worked his way into 18th place at the Lap-100 mark, but was still struggling with a loose racecar on long runs. A combination of quick pit stops and pit strategy helped Allmendinger break into the Top 15 near the Lap 150 point. The Richard Petty Motorsports crew made adjustments to the car during every pit stop throughout the event, but the changes made weren’t enough to keep Allmendinger from falling a lap down to the leaders with 50 laps remaining in the race.
Allmendinger and the STP crew continued to work through the handling issues throughout the final laps and the No. 43 STP Ford Fusion took the checkered flag in the 27th position.
Sunday’s finish resulted in Allmendinger falling three position in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver point standings. He now holds down 16th place heading to Pocono (Penn.) Raceway next weekend, but remains within sight of the top 10.
Mike Shiplett’s Thoughts After the Race: “We were fighting grip all day. I thought we had a handle on it and we were moving up there during the middle of the race, but something happened and we lost a lot of track position and we got behind. This place is extremely tough to pass at and some guys could run the top and some guys could run the bottom, but it is very hard to pass.”
Credit - Richard Petty Motorsports PR
No. 43 STP Ford Fusion
• AJ Allmendinger started in the 26th position Sunday afternoon at Kansas Speedway
• Allmendinger wheeled his way to a 27th-place finishing position
• Unofficially, Allmendinger sits in 16th place in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver point standings
Race Summary: AJ Allmendinger lined up his STP Ford Fusion in the 26th starting position for Sunday’s STP 400 at Kansas Speedway. With a paint scheme resembling team owner Richard Petty’s 1972 STP ride, Allmendinger and his RPM team had high hopes for a successful day.
Not long after the drop of the green flag, Allmendinger let Crew Chief Mike Shiplett know that the No. 43 Ford was lacking rear grip. Shiplett made plans to make air pressure and track bar adjustments during the first pit stop of the day, which came under green flag conditions at Lap 42 of the 267-lap race.
Allmendinger had worked his way into 18th place at the Lap-100 mark, but was still struggling with a loose racecar on long runs. A combination of quick pit stops and pit strategy helped Allmendinger break into the Top 15 near the Lap 150 point. The Richard Petty Motorsports crew made adjustments to the car during every pit stop throughout the event, but the changes made weren’t enough to keep Allmendinger from falling a lap down to the leaders with 50 laps remaining in the race.
Allmendinger and the STP crew continued to work through the handling issues throughout the final laps and the No. 43 STP Ford Fusion took the checkered flag in the 27th position.
Sunday’s finish resulted in Allmendinger falling three position in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver point standings. He now holds down 16th place heading to Pocono (Penn.) Raceway next weekend, but remains within sight of the top 10.
Mike Shiplett’s Thoughts After the Race: “We were fighting grip all day. I thought we had a handle on it and we were moving up there during the middle of the race, but something happened and we lost a lot of track position and we got behind. This place is extremely tough to pass at and some guys could run the top and some guys could run the bottom, but it is very hard to pass.”
Credit - Richard Petty Motorsports PR
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Kansas Qualifying Quotes
AJ ALLMENDINGER, No. 43 STP Ford Fusion
Qualified 26th
“This heat is something. It is one of those things that’s just tough not having a Saturday practice with conditions like this. You just don’t know and it is so hot out and so slick. We aren’t very good either which is part of it. We just aren’t good right now and need to keep working on it.”
***
MARCOS AMBROSE, No. 9 Stanley Ford Fusion
Qualified 35th
“The heat doesn’t change our run much, we just weren’t very good. We will just take what we can from today and look forward to tomorrow’s race. This place is a great track and I really enjoy coming here. I tend to run well here but if you miss it a little bit you pay because there is not the banking to help you. We are going to have to drive through some cars to get to the front tomorrow.”
Credit - Ford Racing
Qualified 26th
“This heat is something. It is one of those things that’s just tough not having a Saturday practice with conditions like this. You just don’t know and it is so hot out and so slick. We aren’t very good either which is part of it. We just aren’t good right now and need to keep working on it.”
***
MARCOS AMBROSE, No. 9 Stanley Ford Fusion
Qualified 35th
“The heat doesn’t change our run much, we just weren’t very good. We will just take what we can from today and look forward to tomorrow’s race. This place is a great track and I really enjoy coming here. I tend to run well here but if you miss it a little bit you pay because there is not the banking to help you. We are going to have to drive through some cars to get to the front tomorrow.”
Credit - Ford Racing
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Kansas Race Preview
AJ ALLMENDINGER
No. 43 STP Ford Fusion
• Allmendinger has made three starts at Kansas Speedway
• Allmendinger enters the race in 13th place in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver point standings
• Allmendinger’s best finish (ninth) at the 1.5-mile track came in 2008
AJ Allmendinger on Kansas: “I’m very excited to go to Kansas this weekend. I’m honored to represent STP and it’s going to be really cool to drive the ‘72 replica of “The King’s” car with the Petty Blue and STP Day-Glo Red paint scheme. I’ve run well in the past at Kansas with two Top-10 finishes in three races there and it would be really cool to get STP back to victory lane.
“I’m encouraged going into this weekend, especially after our Top-5 finish at Charlotte. We struggled a bit at 1.5-mile tracks in the past and I feel like we are headed in the right direction on that program. It was good to see both RPM teams lead and finish near the front of the field last weekend. Mike Shiplett and the guys on the STP team have worked really hard on the mile and a half program because it’s such a big part of the schedule. Now I’m ready to get to Kansas and see what we’ve got.”
Crew Chief Mike Shiplett’s Thoughts on Kansas: “Kansas is a fun race track. It’s really fast and tires are going to fall off quick there because the track is starting to get some age to it. Tires are going to be really important all day. The biggest handling issue we’ll fight in Kansas is the car getting tight in the middle of the corners. We need to make sure we get the STP Ford to turn good in the middle of the corners and at the same time not get too free on exit. A good handling car is going to prevail as the tires wear down.
“Our 1.5-mile program is improving and we definitely made some gains in Charlotte that will help us this weekend in Kansas. We are starting to get the STP Ford to turn in the middle the way AJ likes it to. We still have a little ways to go, but overall I’m happy with the improvement we’ve had the last two weeks in Charlotte.”
Chassis History: The No. 43 RPM team has prepared chassis No. 736 for this weekend’s event at Kansas Speedway. This STP Ford has been run previously this season at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Richmond International Raceway.
Notes: Allmendinger has two Top-10 finishes in three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at Kansas Speedway. Allmendinger’s best finishing position at Kansas (ninth) came in 2008. Allmendinger gained three positions in the points after his fifth-place finish at Charlotte and enters this weekend in 13th place in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver point standings. Allmendinger has completed 100 percent of laps attempted (801) a the 1.5-mile speedway.
Allmendinger will have a different look this weekend as STP will be the primary partner of the No. 43 Ford Fusion. The STP branded No. 43 car will make its return to the track during the STP 400 at Kansas Speedway to celebrate 39 years in racing.
The No. 43 STP Ford Fusion will be a modern replica of the 1972 paint scheme driven by Richard Petty featuring the original Petty Blue and STP Day-Glo Red.
The No. 43 team spent Tuesday testing at Virginia International Raceway in preparation for the upcoming road course events.
Can't get enough of the Dinger? AJ will visit the Ford Display on Sunday at 8 a.m. for a 15 minute Q-and-A session.
Credit - Richard Petty Motorsports PR
No. 43 STP Ford Fusion
• Allmendinger has made three starts at Kansas Speedway
• Allmendinger enters the race in 13th place in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver point standings
• Allmendinger’s best finish (ninth) at the 1.5-mile track came in 2008
AJ Allmendinger on Kansas: “I’m very excited to go to Kansas this weekend. I’m honored to represent STP and it’s going to be really cool to drive the ‘72 replica of “The King’s” car with the Petty Blue and STP Day-Glo Red paint scheme. I’ve run well in the past at Kansas with two Top-10 finishes in three races there and it would be really cool to get STP back to victory lane.
“I’m encouraged going into this weekend, especially after our Top-5 finish at Charlotte. We struggled a bit at 1.5-mile tracks in the past and I feel like we are headed in the right direction on that program. It was good to see both RPM teams lead and finish near the front of the field last weekend. Mike Shiplett and the guys on the STP team have worked really hard on the mile and a half program because it’s such a big part of the schedule. Now I’m ready to get to Kansas and see what we’ve got.”
Crew Chief Mike Shiplett’s Thoughts on Kansas: “Kansas is a fun race track. It’s really fast and tires are going to fall off quick there because the track is starting to get some age to it. Tires are going to be really important all day. The biggest handling issue we’ll fight in Kansas is the car getting tight in the middle of the corners. We need to make sure we get the STP Ford to turn good in the middle of the corners and at the same time not get too free on exit. A good handling car is going to prevail as the tires wear down.
“Our 1.5-mile program is improving and we definitely made some gains in Charlotte that will help us this weekend in Kansas. We are starting to get the STP Ford to turn in the middle the way AJ likes it to. We still have a little ways to go, but overall I’m happy with the improvement we’ve had the last two weeks in Charlotte.”
Chassis History: The No. 43 RPM team has prepared chassis No. 736 for this weekend’s event at Kansas Speedway. This STP Ford has been run previously this season at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Richmond International Raceway.
Notes: Allmendinger has two Top-10 finishes in three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at Kansas Speedway. Allmendinger’s best finishing position at Kansas (ninth) came in 2008. Allmendinger gained three positions in the points after his fifth-place finish at Charlotte and enters this weekend in 13th place in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver point standings. Allmendinger has completed 100 percent of laps attempted (801) a the 1.5-mile speedway.
Allmendinger will have a different look this weekend as STP will be the primary partner of the No. 43 Ford Fusion. The STP branded No. 43 car will make its return to the track during the STP 400 at Kansas Speedway to celebrate 39 years in racing.
The No. 43 STP Ford Fusion will be a modern replica of the 1972 paint scheme driven by Richard Petty featuring the original Petty Blue and STP Day-Glo Red.
The No. 43 team spent Tuesday testing at Virginia International Raceway in preparation for the upcoming road course events.
Can't get enough of the Dinger? AJ will visit the Ford Display on Sunday at 8 a.m. for a 15 minute Q-and-A session.
Credit - Richard Petty Motorsports PR
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