AJ Allmindinger Needs More Time

I am just now on my way home from the Las Vegas race and a two day test session in Phoenix. Most if not all of the teams took advantage of the opportunity to test. While I was there I heard that AJ Almendinger was being replaced this week by Mike Skinner.

The only information I have on AJ’s release is the same as what you have seen on the internet or on television. I think it is way too early and AJ is way too young for the team to make this decision right now. He (AJ) made a life changing decision to make the switch from open wheel cars to stock cars. There were times last year that he showed so much potential.

I know the team and media is going to put the big pr spin on this so I wanted to share my opinion that I am not in agreement with this move. Drivers get chewed up and spit out in this sport every week but AJ deserves more time. There will be a spin put on it that he will be placed in other series to gain him seat time and experience but I am not buying it. Although running in the Nationwide or Craftsman Series will be good he still needs to be in that Sprint Cup car. The new cars are different from the other series so I think they should do all of it if they are serious about giving him a fair shot at making it. A page out of the Gibbs playbook should be used here. I believe Gibbs is the best at giving people a fair shot if there is such a thing.

AJ is going to have to answer a lot of questions this week. He will handle it like a pro and do what he has to do. He has had a good attitude in all of the interviews I have seen. Even his interview after missing Daytona was a good one. He showed his emotions and you could see and hear the hurt he was feeling. Missing Daytona made the pressure double (if that is possible). The last time I checked, the Duels were a team effort. AJ didn't miss the race, the team did. California was out of his control being based on last year’s results. I am not sure what happened at Vegas but I know he was driving as hard as he could go.

Sure he should share some of responsibility but not to the point of being pushed to the side. It seems like everyone is only looking at their job and not considering that it is a team effort. Look I know it is huge business but the timing of this move is bad for this organization. They will have to learn a new driver in the middle of trying to break into the top 35.

Mike Skinner is a good driver and probably deserves to be in a Cup ride full time. He has tons of experience and will teach AJ some things about racing at the top level. We all know from the past that Skinner is a great qualifier. He will qualify and probably run good in the Red Bull #84 entry but I still believe this will hurt the team in the long run.

I hope AJ can make it through everything he is getting ready to experience. On a smaller scale I know what it feels like to be teamed up on like this. There is no one that will come to your rescue. I know other owners are paying close attention and if he keeps improving maybe he can get one of those rare but occasional second chances.

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Update: 3/10/08

I am a little late posting this story since the Atlanta race is over and Mike Skinner has qualified for and run the race but I still wanted my thoughts and comments on AJ to be posted.
Jason A. Jarrett