AJ locks in 84 sixth in a row

BROOKLYN, MI- AJ qualified for his sixth consecutive NASCAR Nextel Cup race today at Michigan International Speedway. After having a strong practice where he was third of the go-homers pack, Allmendinger was a little disappointed in his late afternoon qualifying run, but nonetheless happy to have the 84 in again.

The Red Bull Camry drew 38th to go out for this afternoon’s qualifying and the temperatures were hot, sticky, and in the 90’s. AJ got really loose heading out of the pits and struggled to pull the first hot lap together. The second lap was better, but AJ still battled the loose Camry. The second lap put him 41st-quick with a time of 39.307 (183.173-mph) and was enough to lock him in for the Citizens Bank 400. Due to Bill Elliot making the race on time, AJ will take the champion’s provisional spot and start 43rd.

“We made it! That’s something I’m definitely happy about,” said Allmendinger. “We have the speed to be right there; we’ve been able to show that. We just need to get a lot better about judging the track and staying on top of it from practice to qualifying. I’m glad we’re making, but I don’t think anyone wants to cut it this close!”

AJ also ran three truck practice sessions today in preparation for qualifying and the race tomorrow. The truck was balanced pretty well and handled good, but lacking speed on the straights.

Tomorrow AJ’s takes the 84 Cup car out for practice at 10:00 a.m. and 1:20 p.m. Truck qualifying for the 00 is at 11:05 a.m. AJ’s is slated to go out 36th. The truck race 3:00 p.m. (ET) and on SPEED.