Sim Racing Design - View Single Post - AJ Allmendinger out of the #84 and into the #41?

MattSRD28 · #2 (**permalink**) 09-23-2008

If there was a motion for a minimum of time spent either in NASCAR's Nationwide or Truck Series, moreso than there is now (there is a certain amount of experience NASCAR deems necessary before granting entry into Cup series, i.e. running ARCA at Tally), I would totally 2nd it. This is getting ridiculous, and tragic for the young drivers.

Joey Logano's going to be driving in the Cup series full time as an 18-19 year old. Where's he going to be when he's my age, especially if he doesn't come out like gangbusters? His whole racing career will be basically flat, and all the education he's missing out on will have been for nothing. That's a terrible thing for someone that age to experience.

NASCAR needs minimums NOW. Minimum 50 races entered in Nationwide and/or Truck Series, and the minimum age of 21 for entry into Cup Series. That will take a huge amount of the risk out of the game, but not all, which is good for everyone involved, most noteably the young driver.

__________________________________________________

That being said, Allmendinger's situation is surprising seeing as he spent a few seasons in CART/IRL before going Cup. But is it really surprising? Allmendinger entered, what, 5 races in the Truck series before going Cup? If Days of Thunder didn't make it clear, it should be pretty clear after seeing what Montoya, Allmendiner, Carpentier, Villenuve, and others have all gone through. Indycar experience basically matters not when it comes to racing in NASCAR. NASCAR's race cars are too heavy with tires too small for anything to really translate over.

Best thing for A.J. Allmendinger to do IMO is to get with a full time Truck/Nationwide team for at least a full season. I'm sure a Cup team can find a sponsor and run him full time as has happened with a few drivers before. Allmendinger needs more experience and more success before trying Cup again.