A.J.’s The Up And Comer I’m Watching

In terms of up and comers in NASCAR Sprint Cup racing, a considerable number of eyes have been turned elsewhere. David Ragan was the sexy pick for a new entry into the 2009 chase. For a whole host of reasons, Joey Logano has been the subject of much attention. Regan Smith was the top rookie of 2008 in the famed DEI garage. That’s not even mentioning other newbies (say about 3rd season or less) such as Juan Pablo Montoya, David Reutimann, Paul Menard, David Gilliland, Scott Speed and others.A.J. Allmendinger? He’s been bounced around like a pinball. The real question on him was what ride, if any ride he’d have in 2009.

Look how much a year, scratch that, a few weeks, changes things. Allmendinger has gone from “go-or-go-homer” to sitting a respectable 20th in the standings. That may not be elite status, but it does seed the Californian ahead of Montoya (21st), Ragan (22nd), Logano (33rd), and Scott Speed (37th)- just to name a few.

Here’s why I’m keeping my eyes on Allmendinger the next few weeks. I’ve never doubted his fearlessness on the big tracks, he’s shown flashes of brilliance on the intermediates- but how will he handle the short tracks? Especially intriguing is how A.J. will handle the band boxes at Bristol and Martinsville. They’ll test your temper, they’ll test your skill in traffic. Patience is as much a virtue (even in the world of NASCAR) as speed.

These races may provide the best measuring stick of A.J.’s progression as a driver. I’ve been one of those observers who’s always felt that all Allmendinger needed was some seat time without having to look over his shoulder- no question a deterrent to growth during his days at Red Bull Racing. It can’t hurt all the positive he’s been getting from no less than “The King”- I mean if Richard Petty believes in him, why shouldn’t I?

Allmendinger was hot out of the gate with his 3rd place finish at Daytona. Tempering the excitement was his 29th at Fontana, his 33rd at Vegas, but the 17th place finish in Atlanta proved a nice rebound performance.

I can’t help but think if he can get through this next patch of races holding his ground (or even gaining it) it could provide a springboard for one hot summer for the “44.” It will be interesting to watch- because I really can see Allmendinger running good races, even winning at Daytona or Lowe’s Motor Speedway.

Once of the things you have to like so far in 2009 is that we’re talking about more than just the usual suspects. That the likes of Jimmie Johnson, Carl Edwards, Kyle Busch and Junior will all be grabbing all the headlines may be an inevitability. Still- there’s a reason we don’t race on paper and it has to be settled on the track. Winds shift, things change.

I’m not necessarily hopping on the bandwagon yet, but I’m lining up my jump. The story of A.J. Allmendinger with what he went through at Red Bull and the recent off-season soap opera where he was seeming to change rides faster than a pit crew changes tires could be one of the feel good stories that could come out of 2009.

I’ll be watching with great interest as the NASCAR season winds through Turn One. Among the newer drivers on the circuit, I believe Anthony James Allmendinger has as much talent, maybe more than the rest of them.