AJ Allmendinger’s 2025 NASCAR Cup Series playoff journey has been a blend of standout moments and unfortunate setbacks. He secured a surprising pole position at Bristol, his first in over a decade, showcasing his skill on short tracks. Throughout the season, Allmendinger demonstrated consistent performance, with multiple top-10 finishes, including a notable 9th place at the Charlotte Road Course.
But Talladega had other surprises waiting for him, turning a grind into a grind-you-down nightmare. However, his aspirations were abruptly halted during the Round of 8 at Talladega. A multi-car crash in Stage 1, involving playoff contender Chase Elliott and others, ended Allmendinger’s race early.
Allmendinger’s agony
Post-crash, AJ Allmendinger didn’t sugarcoat the smackdown: “Yeah, it wasn