AJ Allmendinger Embraces His Shank Reunion in GTP: "I Love This Race With Mike"

NASCAR Cup Series driver AJ Allmendinger is no stranger to the Rolex 24 or IMSA. Having quite an extensive road course background between open-wheel and sportscar racing, this venture is not uncharted territory.

However, the Acura ARX-06 is something that Allmendinger is jumping into new waters with for 2026, beginning this weekend at Daytona.

“The last time I was in one [prototype] was the DPI, I think in ’21. So definitely a lot is going on. The great thing is I got to do a little bit of sim last week and be at the shop, and Tom and Colin have probably babysat me through all of it trying to learn the car. I was on old tires, so that was some of it, but it was definitely tricky to drive. So just trying to learn a lot of braking and trying to get used to braking, along with what the threshold is. I found too much right away. But no, it’s all right. You know, my biggest thing is just trying to learn as quickly as I can, and I know the guys I’m teamed up with are world-class, so I’m trying to not be the slow guy completely and letting them down.”

As mentioned, it has been four years since “The Dinger” has been behind the wheel of an IMSA prototype. And while the task of jumping into a hybrid GTP car is no small undertaking, Allmendinger’s enthusiasm for returning to Meyer Shank Racing remains at the forefront.

For him, the reunion is far more meaningful than simply getting another race under his belt.

“Really, for Honda to allow me to do it means a lot to me. And I miss this race. I watch it every year. It’s, to me, one of the coolest races we’ve got on this planet. I’ve always thoroughly enjoyed coming here and being a part of it. More importantly, it’s just having Mike call me up and ask me to be a part of it again. Honestly, he had to kind of talk me into it because I just don’t want to let him down. That’s the last thing I ever want to do in this world.”

Allmendinger’s admiration for Shank—and the memories built over nearly two decades together—remains a driving reason for his return.

“I’ve always loved this race with Mike,” he said. “Even the ups and downs… that’s what makes it special. We’ve been doing this a long time, and it still means everything.”