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AJ Allmendinger

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The 2007 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series year will mark Allmendinger's inaugural year, where he will contend for official rookie-of-the-year honors, and an unofficial seat on the "most promising open-wheel import" throne.

MAKING HIS MARK
Anthony James Allmendinger got his first taste for speed in his home state of California, a place synonymous for spitting out fast racers in four-wheeled disciplines. His dad raced midget and sprint cars, so a life behind the wheel was inevitable. "Almost from birth, I've been at the track every weekend," Allmendinger explains. "I loved racing, and I grew to be part of it. It's a passion."

Allmendinger delivered blistering drives early on in his racing career, earning two International Karting Federation Grand National championships. In 2000, his performance in the Champ Car Stars of Tomorrow program earned a Champ Car test with Team Rahal. Then Allmendinger won the Barber Champ Car Karting Scholarship to participate in the 2001 Formula Dodge National Championship Series. He finished as vice-champion for the season and immediately ascended to the 2002 Barber Dodge Pro Series - claiming six race wins, Rookie-of-the-Year honors, and the championship.

The youngster's talent was reconfirmed in 2003 in the Toyota Atlantic series. In his greenhorn year, he shattered track records and logged eight poles and eight victories en route to the championship title. The 21-year old captured the Atlantic series record for most wins in a single season by a rookie, and became the second-youngest driver ever to win the championship.

In 2004, Allmendinger graduated into the big leagues - the Champ Car World Series - earning five top-five finishes including two podiums and rookie of the year honors. His 2005 season was again marked by standout performances including six top-five finishes, four of which were podiums. After a mid-year Champ Car shakeup in 2006, Allmendinger made his new team regulars in victory lane, amassing five season wins and a runner-up position for the series' championship.

Rumors of AJ's flirtation with the NASCAR world ran rampant mid-season of 2006. By October, Allmendinger had announced a three-race stint in the NASCAR Truck Series. His stellar performance prompted an invitation to join Team Red Bull's 2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup effort, and ended with Allmendinger signing on the dotted line to race the No. 84 Bull.

"Racing in the Truck Series was just such an awesome experience on so many levels, so I was pretty pumped about having that chance again - but on an even bigger scale," Allmendinger said.

BULL TIES
Allmendinger's association with Red Bull goes back to 2002 when the young gun showcased his skills in the 2002 Red Bull Driver Search program. Despite an early departure from the driver search to sign another development deal, Allmendinger had made a lasting impression on Red Bull and the company later jumped on board to support his foray into Champ Car.

The American racer has an inherent need for speed, but barreling down straight-aways at 200+mph isn't the only place where the Californian vents his energy. He also takes it out on bicycles, bowling alleys, miniature golf courses, karting tracks and video games.

Allmendinger's working man boots are strapped on, not leaving much time for R & R. Good thing this guy's flying on endless bounds of energy as he'll be bouncing around to 36 races a year now.