In a significant shift for Kaulig Racing, the team has announced that it will no longer have its drivers compete in both the NASCAR Cup Series and the Xfinity Series starting in 2025. This marks a departure from past seasons, where veteran driver AJ Allmendinger and others frequently raced in both series. Instead, the organization plans to keep its Xfinity and Cup drivers focused on their respective series, a move aimed at improving performance and increasing the chances of securing championships.
Kaulig Racing President Chris Rice revealed this strategy change during a press conference at Darlington Raceway, where he also introduced Christian Eckes as the newest addition to the team’s Xfinity lineup. Rice emphasized that Eckes and the other Xfinity drivers would now focus exclusively on Xfinity races, with the goal of winning a championship for team owner Matt Kaulig.
“We’ve made some mistakes by running people too many times,” Rice admitted. “But [Eckes’s deal] is strictly Xfinity to try to get — we want to win a championship for Matt Kaulig. That is something that we’re very passionate about, and we definitely want to do it.”
The decision to streamline driver responsibilities reflects Kaulig Racing’s commitment to refining its competitive edge. AJ Allmendinger, who has been instrumental in the team’s growth by competing in both the Xfinity and Cup Series, will now concentrate solely on the Cup Series. This move is designed to help him focus on turning Kaulig’s Cup program into one that consistently contends for victories and playoff spots.
Allmendinger’s dual role in past seasons—racing full seasons in both Xfinity and Cup—has been crucial for Kaulig Racing’s development. His extensive experience and feedback have helped the team identify areas for improvement. However, as Rice noted, the time has come to prioritize specialization, particularly as the team seeks to elevate its Cup Series performance.
“Allmendinger sees Eckes as someone who can come into the building and make the team better,” Rice said. “This way, the veteran driver can simply focus on the Cup program.”
Kaulig Racing’s 2025 plans include fielding three full-time Xfinity cars and two full-time Cup cars. The team has occasionally fielded a fourth Xfinity car in past seasons, but Rice does not expect this to continue next year. Additionally, Allmendinger, who has previously dropped down to the Xfinity Series to pursue victories at tracks like the Charlotte Roval and Circuit of the Americas, will now prioritize his efforts in the Cup Series.
“We did that two years ago, and that was not good,” Rice reflected. “We want him to focus solely on the Cup cars, and we want him to try to get that to where it needs to be. That’s what’s most important to us.”
This strategic shift underscores Kaulig Racing’s dedication to achieving success across both series. By allowing its drivers to concentrate on a single series, the team aims to optimize performance, increase its chances of securing championships, and continue its rise within NASCAR’s ranks.
