AJ returns to 84 with strong start

AJ was back in “his office” today at the Talladega Superspeedway, returning behind the wheel of the No. 84 Red Bull Racing Camry. The NASCAR Sprint Cup teams completed to practice sessions today in preparation for qualifying tomorrow for the “Aaron’s 499”.

For the first practice session, AJ put the new super-sweet silver Toyota through its initial paces and felt the car was good from the start. Allmendinger finished the first session 36th overall with a best lap of 51.389-seconds (186.343-mph). That lap put him second of the go- or go-home group.

In the brief break between practices, the 84 crew did some fine-tuning and returned to the second session strong. The 84 finished the session 23rd overall and first of the group. His best lap clocked in at 51.139-seconds (187.254-mph).

“I was so happy to get back in my race car,” said AJ. “I think everyone around me was happy too, so I’d quit bothering them! I felt comfortable in the car right off the bat. There were just a couple of minor things, but overall the 84 was solid. I think we’re in a good position for a really strong qualifying spot here. Hopefully the rain stays away so we can really go out there and give it a good run.”

The Sprint Cup cars qualify tomorrow morning at 10:15 a.m. (CT). AJ is slated to go out 40th.