AJ Allmendinger is gearing up for a thrilling return to the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, marking his first start in four years. The 43-year-old racing legend will be joining Acura Meyer Shank Racing's lineup for the prestigious Rolex 24 at Daytona, a race he's been eagerly anticipating. This marks his 16th appearance in the Florida endurance classic, and he's ready to make his mark in the GTP category. Allmendinger's previous experience includes a 2012 victory with the same team and a 2021 fourth-place finish in an Acura ARX-05 DPi. His return to the team is a significant moment, as he reunites with Mike Shank, a close friend and mentor. Shank expressed his excitement about Allmendinger's comeback, praising his professionalism and the energy he brings to the team. The No. 60 Acura ARX-06 will feature a strong lineup, including Colin Braun, Tom Blomqvist, Scott Dixon, and Allmendinger, who will be making his GTP debut. The team's full-season drivers, Nick Yelloly and Renger van der Zande, will be joined by Alex Palou and Kaku Ohta for the Daytona race, adding to the team's depth and experience. This announcement comes as a relief after Palou's absence in the season finale due to legal proceedings, which was replaced by Tristan Vautier. Shank's enthusiasm for the team's endurance crew, including Scott, Alex, and Kaku, highlights their importance in delivering Acura's success. With their combined expertise and a year of teamwork, the team is poised for big results in the upcoming season.
