Countdown to Daytona 2026 - 26 Days

By Adam Carabine

Counting down the final 30 days to the 2026 Daytona 500, we are looking at last year's Top 30 drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series. Today's driver: AJ Allmendinger

Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images

No. 16 Car – Kaulig Racing

2025 Stats

Standings	26th
Wins	0
Points	649
Stage Points	66
Stage Wins	0
Laps Led	42
Lead Lap Finishes	22
Average Finish	21.4
DNFs	8
Races since last win	56

What Does Success Look Like in 2026?

Allmendinger is seen as a road course wizard, but he’s got his work cut out for him with now both SVG and Connor Zilisch in the Cup Series field this year.  Success would be to win at a road course, while shoring up his oval package as well.  Kaulig hasn’t been exactly lights out in the Cup Series, save for some decent road course runs for Allmendinger in the past.  The playoffs are probably out of the question for this team, but he could certainly challenge for a win at a road course.

Best-Case Scenario in 2026?

With five road courses on the schedule this week, I would say best-case scenario for Allmendinger is that he wins two of them.  SVG has taken over the mantle of the Cup Series road course ringer, and while Connor Zilisch has some learning to do in a car that’s new to him, he could certainly get in Allmendinger’s way.  Stranger things have happened, but I think Allmendinger’s upper limit is two wins.

Most Likely Outcome in 2026?

Allmendinger may unfortunately be out of his winning window in the Cup Series, especially with SVG around.  The most likely outcome is that he goes winless again this year.

Bold Prediction?

While obviously Allmendinger’s best chances at a win are on a road course, this section is reserved for the BOLD.  On ovals, Allmendinger’s best career average finish is at Homestead, so while he won’t be in the playoffs, I’ll say he wins the final race of the year at Homestead, with the 2026 Champion coming in P2.