NASCAR: Allmendinger to skip Sprint Unlimited

Although he is qualified to enter it under this year's revised rules, AJ Allmendinger – who earned his first career victory and a berth in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup in 2014 – will not compete in the upcoming Sprint Unlimited all-star race at Daytona.

"In mid-December NASCAR changed the rules regarding Sprint Unlimited eligibility," said Allmendinger's JTG Daugherty Racing team owner, Tad Geschickter. "We were not qualified for that race until NASCAR's decision to expand the field, stating all 16 drivers who qualified for the Chase were eligible. We had already budgeted for our 36 points-paying races. There was not ample time for us to secure additional sponsorship and prepare for the race without compromising our Daytona 500 preparation."

The Sprint Unlimited is set for Feb. 14 at 8 p.m. ET and will air live on FOX. The Daytona 500 follows on Feb. 22 at 1 p.m. ET, also on FOX.