By Caleb Whisler, Staff Writer
The day at Sonoma Raceway looked promising for AJ Allmendinger and the No. 47 JTG Daugherty team. However, the promising day took a sour turn.
When it comes to road courses on the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series schedule, Allmendinger is considered a threat to win the race. Going to Sonoma Raceway in 2018 was no different. During the two practice sessions of the weekend, Allmendinger was no slower than 12th on the charts. On Saturday, the veteran driver qualified in the fifth position.
When the green flag unfurled on Sunday, Allmendinger began his march to the front of the field. As the 25-lap stage unfolded, the veteran worked his way to the second position but began to drift back.
Due to strategy on pit road by the race leaders, Allmendinger assumed the lead as he went on his way to win the first stage.
However, things went south on Lap 33. The engine in the No. 47 Chevrolet expired after he missed a shift. He was running 13th at the time.
“I just missed a shift. I haven’t missed a shift in probably 10 years on a road course. The best gear boxes I have had since I’ve ever been here and I don’t know I just missed a shift. Just trying to be patient back there and set-up each move,” the dejected driver stated.
“The car was pretty good. I don’t know if it was race winning we needed to work on the long run but believe me when it happened I was in a lot of disbelief and shock. I wasn’t ready for it and let everybody down on this race team.
He finished the race in the 38th position.
A.J. has been one of my favorites for years. I loved it when he won back in 2015. It was my favorite NASCAR Cup race of all time. A.J. was so excited and was hugging everyone. He will always be one of my favorite drivers and I am so sorry this happened to him. Just about every drivers misses a shift at some point.
Don’t worry A.J., there’s another road course coming and there’s always next year at Sonoma. I know you will win again. Hang in there.