Allmendinger returns behind the wheel of No. 84

AJ Allmendinger returns to his driver role this weekend, taking the wheel of the No. 84 Red Bull Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series entry at Talladega Superspeedway.

Mike Skinner drove the car for the past five races, attempting to move the team up in the owner standings and get the group closer to the top 35 in owner points.

Skinner made the field for all five of his races, but Allmendinger still must qualify the car in order for the team to race in Sunday’s Aaron’s 499 at Talladega.

Allmendinger admits it was difficult to watch someone else drive his car for that stretch.

“It sucks being out of the race car," he said. “There’s no simple way to put it. Your ego takes a hit. For a race car driver being at the track and watching cars, especially yours, go around might be the worst thing in the world."