Kaulig coy on No.16 plans for 2024

Kaulig Racing has its 2024 plans decided for its No. 16 entry in the NASCAR Cup series but isn’t ready to share them.

“We do want to win races and we love AJ [Allmendinger],” team owner Matt Kaulig said on Sunday night after Allmendinger won at the Charlotte Roval. “We haven't all decided … actually, we just haven't announced yet exactly what we're doing. I think we're pretty clear on what we're doing, we just haven't announced anything.”

“I actually defer most of these questions to Chris [Rice].”

Allmendinger has stated for months that he will do whatever Kaulig Racing wants him to do, whether it’s remain in the Cup Series or move back to the Xfinity Series. The 41-year-old took over the ride this season, his first year back full-time at the Cup Series level since 2018.

In the two seasons that Allmendinger has spent driving for Kaulig Racing in the Xfinity Series, he won 10 races. Allmendinger finished fourth and fifth, respectively, in the championship standings in 2021 and 2022.

Allmendinger would prefer to be at the top level. However, the decision facing Kaulig Racing appears to be about financials and not Allmendinger’s performance.

“Wait for the announcement,” Rice said.

Daniel Hemric will drive the organization’s No. 31 entry next season. Both of its entries have charters and must run the full season.