Why AJ Allmendinger is So Great at the Roval
As we come onto Roval weekend, while many, I’m sure, are expecting an SVG win, many also remember how dominant AJ Allmendinger has been here since the track’s debut. With him earning four Xfinity Series wins in 2023, he secured his first Cup Series victory here and finished sixth here last year.
How is Allmendinger So Great at the Roval?
Of course, his open-wheel background is a significant advantage. AJ earned multiple wins with Forsythe in 2006 in CART and was also a finalist in the infamous Red Bull USA driver search. Along with Atlantic and Barber Dodge Pro Series titles. Hence why he’s so great at all road courses, but especially the Roval. But why, especially the Roval? He excels at Watkins Glen or COTA; he isn’t perfect in Xfinity there, except at the Roval. The fact that it’s a road and an oval, also known as a roval, makes it ideal for an ex-CART driver turned NASCAR driver.
How AJ Allmendinger Uses Open-Wheel Experience to His Advantage
First off is his trail braking and how well he executes it. He brakes later than most while maintaining rotation with the front end via controlled trail braking. This means when he gets to that tight infield, he gains tenths into the entrances while not sacrificing the exit. His inputs are also very smooth, which helps him maintain his exit speed. He minimizes steering and throttle jerk, which keeps the car balanced through the corner.
Given the short straights, maintaining speed through the corner is paramount, and AJ has mastered it. Like on every other track, precision is key as well, and when it comes to the Roval and most road courses, it’s most important when it comes to the curbs. And AJ uses the curb aggressively but intelligently, getting just enough to straighten the car and carry speed without upsetting the chassis.
Why He’s So Incredible
That’s crucial on the ROVAL’s chicanes and apex curbs, which is why mastering this art, in addition to the others I’ve mentioned, is why AJ is so incredible at the Roval. Another art he’s learned is his brake bias and gear feel. Something that was actually helped a lot more by AJ’s time in sports cars, which includes a 2012 win at the 24 Hours of Daytona.
It helped develop an intuitive feel for brake bias and transient weight shifts, allowing him to tune in to changing track rubber and temperatures mid-race. Plus, he’s as clutch as any driver can be. As shown in 2022, when he restarted outside of Ty Gibbs and went by him for the win. So mix all this knowledge with the skill to pull it off consistently; it’s no wonder why he’s so great at 1 of NASCAR’s most recent track additions.
Can AJ Beat SVG at the Roval?
Heading into the Roval, of course, despite AJ’s incredible record here, everyone’s eyes were locked on SVG, which is what happens when you win four road courses in a row as a rookie. The ex-V8 Supercars champion looks unstoppable on the tracks with left and right turns this year, but AJ has experience beating ex-V8 Supercar champions. Beating Marcos Ambrose at the Glen for his 1st career Cup win in 2014. And he did beat Van Gisbergen twice in 2024, finishing ahead of him at the Roval and COTA.
So, indeed, the driver of the No. 88 has reason to walk into being the favorite; he has beaten AJ on every road course so far this year. But if there was one road course this year, the ex-American open-wheel man could win the Kiwi living legend, and it would be here. So all this, if nothing else, makes the royal weekend 1 to look forward to, especially for AJ fans. Thanks a bunch for reading!
