PATASKALA, Ohio – Meyer Shank Racing has confirmed that veteran driver A.J. Allmendinger is returning to the team to take part in the 2021 edition of the Rolex 24 at Daytona Int’l Speedway.
Allmendinger, who will be making his 15th Rolex 24 start, was apart of the Meyer Shank Racing squad when the team won the 2012 edition of the Rolex 24.
The news of Allmendinger’s return comes after Meyer Shank Racing announced its return to the DPi class thanks to an expanded partnership with Acura.
“More than anything, I am so pumped for Mike (Shank) and the team to become a factory Acura DPi team,” said Allmendinger. “No one deserves this more than Mike Shank. His hard work and dedication is paying off and I am happy to be a small part of that.”
First joining MSR for the 2006 Rolex 24 Hours At Daytona with the team’s Daytona Prototype, Allmendinger was a key factor in scoring the team its first Rolex 24 podium finish that year with co-drivers Ozz Negri, Mark Patterson and the late Justin Wilson. That year was the beginning of 14 starts at the 24 hour event with the Ohio-based team.
Six years later, Allmendinger and Meyer Shank Racing claimed the overall victory in the Rolex 24. It’s a memory that will stick with him forever.
“That was probably one of the biggest moments in my career,” said Allmendinger. “Mike and MSR worked so hard to get that win, and to be a part of such a monumental victory in the team’s career is something that I will always cherish.”
Allmendinger has raced sporadically since retiring from full-time NASCAR competition at the end of the 2018 season. He’s raced in the Rolex 24 the last few seasons in Meyer Shank Racing’s GT Daytona entry while also racing in a handful of NASCAR Xfinity Series races for Kaulig Racing.
He’s looking forward to returning to Daytona Int’l Speedway to chase another Rolex in January.
“I always feel so fortunate and lucky to have the opportunity to drive for my close friend Mike Shank and everyone at the Meyer Shank Racing team for my 15th attempt at the Rolex 24,” said Allmendinger. “I can’t wait to get back to Prototype racing. The DPi machines are very quick and look so fun to drive. I am sure it will take me a few laps to get used to the speed and downforce, but I’ll be surrounded by a great team and I know that I will get up to speed fairly quick. I can’t thank Mike, MSR and Honda HPD for allowed me to drive for them. Time to get another Rolex.”