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Done Deal: Allmendinger to NASCAR
Written by: Robin Miller   
10/23/2006
Indianapolis, Ind.
 


A cartoon issued by TRB perfectly illustrated Allmendinger's career-changing choice... (Red Bull image - click to enlarge) ยป More Photos

As reported for the past few weeks by SPEED, American open wheel star A.J. Allmendinger is leaving Champ Car for NASCAR, to drive full-time in the Nextel Cup for the new Red Bull Toyota team, the squad confirmed today.

"I spoke with A.J. and his agent tonight and they informed me of their decision," said Gerald Forsythe, who hired Allmendinger after he was fired by RuSPORT four races into this season.

"I told him that I was disappointed, our team was disappointed and Champ Car fans will be disappointed but I wished him well."

The 24-year-old Californian captured the first three races he drove for Forsythe at Portland, Cleveland and Toronto and added two more at Denver and Elkhart Lake to become the best story of the year in open wheel.

But, despite his instant success and rapport with his new team, Allmendinger's ascension in Champ Car couldn't overcome the financial lure from the new Red Bull/Toyota NASCAR entry.

Forsythe originally offered Allmendinger a five-year deal and agreed to amend it to three years but claimed to be miles apart in terms of money.

"They want three million dollars a year plus prize money and that's just not realistic," said Forsythe last week. "I want A.J. and Champ Car wants A.J. but not at that price."
Allmendinger is scheduled to make his Cup debut this weekend at Atlanta, as well as contest the truck show at AMS. The Barber Dodge and Atlantic champion currently sits second in the point standings with one race remaining at Mexico City next month.