Will Make Fifth Start with Phoenix Racing, First Start in Gen 6 Car
SPARTANBURG, S.C. (February 26, 2012) – He’s back. A.J. Allmendinger is returning to Phoenix Racing to compete in the Subway Fresh Fit 500k at Phoenix International Raceway. He’ll be piloting the No. 51 Guy Roofing Chevrolet in his fifth Sprint Cup Series start with team.
Allmendinger is no stranger to the “Desert Jewel.” He has eight previous Cup Series starts at the one-mile oval and has driven to four top-15s and two top-10s. He has started on the front row three times, including one pole, which he captured in 2010.
Phoenix Racing has made 16 Cup Series starts at Phoenix. Their best finish came in 2005, with Johnny Sauter taking the checkered flag in ninth place.
Allmendinger comments on his return at Phoenix International Raceway:
“This will be good. It’s been a few months since I’ve been in a stock car. I haven’t been in one of the Gen 6 cars yet, so I think it will take a little time to get acclimated to it. Phoenix International Raceway is a great place for me to get back behind the wheel. I’ve always enjoyed the race track. It will definitely feel different, but I’ll be ready to go.
“It definitely helps to go to a track that I enjoy already. It’s a tough race track, especially with the repave. It starts off so slick when we make our first few laps, then it gains grip. It picks up a ton of grip pretty quickly, then it goes back to being slick for the race. It’s definitely a challenging race track. I know the guys will have a good race car ready for the weekend. I was really impressed with their run last week at Daytona. It showed that they’re putting together solid equipment and have a good feel for the new car. I think for the first 30 to 45 minutes I’ll have to ease into it and get used to the new car, but after that, I’ll be up to speed and ready to go.
“Of all the tracks we go to, this is one of the most technical and challenging. It takes finesse and you have to hit your marks nearly perfect every time. There’s barely any banking, which means it’s easy to slip and slide if you come into the corners too hot. You also have to be mindful of your brakes. It’s easy to use them up in the early stages of the race and not have any left for the end. I think that’s what I enjoy so much about the track. You have to be on top of your game to have a good day there. I’m really looking forward to hopping in the Guy Roofing Chevy this weekend.”
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