Phoenix II: AJ Allmendinger preview

Allmendinger to Drive Valvoline Dodge in Nationwide Series at Phoenix

STATESVILLE, N.C. -- AJ Allmendinger makes his first Nationwide start of the 2008 season at Phoenix International Raceway this weekend. The 26-year-old will pilot the No. 9 Valvoline Dodge in the 200-lap race on the mile oval.

Allmendinger owns seven starts in the Nationwide Series but hasn't raced since Homestead in 2007. He secured his Nationwide Series career-best finish at PIR one year ago when he finished 13th.

The No. 9 Valvoline Dodge finished 21st in its previous race at Phoenix with Chase Miller behind the wheel. The team is 16th in owner points.

AJ Allmendinger:

"Any driver will tell you that all they want to do is race," Allmendinger said. "This weekend I get double the opportunity with the Nationwide and Cup races. I was thrilled when I saw the Phoenix race on my schedule. I appreciate Gillett Evernham giving me the opportunity to run the Valvoline Dodge and I hope we can earn a strong finish.

"Racing on the Nationwide side of things is a lot of fun. I really enjoyed it when I raced over there last year. I know the Valvoline team are hard workers but they like to make things fun too. It helps make for a great atmosphere to work in."

Chassis: Allmendinger will run chassis B25. It's the same chassis that qualified third and finished sixth at Phoenix last fall.

-credit: gem