Allmendinger offered full-time ride (accepts)
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| After finding IndyCars too hard, Allmendinger is back in NASCAR |
AJ Allmendinger will become the full-time driver of the No. 47 Sprint Cup car for JTG Daugherty Racing in 2014, sources told ESPN.com on Thursday.
Allmendinger has accepted a three-year deal to replace Bobby Labonte, who has been in the car since 2011. A formal announcement is expected Saturday at Atlanta Motor Speedway, where Allmendinger will drive the 47 in Sunday's Cup race.
Allmendinger began a five-race schedule in the 47 this summer at Michigan as the organization sought to improve performance. In three races for JTG Daugherty, Allmendinger has an average finish of 17th, compared to 27.7 for Labonte.
Allmendinger was the full-time driver of the No. 22 Cup car for Penske Racing a year ago before violating NASCAR's substance abuse policy and being suspended. He ultimately completed the "Road To Recovery'' program but in the process was released by Penske.
He has since won two Nationwide Series road-course races for Penske, competed in the Indianapolis 500 for Penske, driven the No. 51 Phoenix Racing Cup car part-time as well as the JTG Daugherty car.
Allmendinger gave JTG Daugherty its first top 10 of the 2013 season at Watkins Glen, where he finished 10th.
08/29/13 AJ Allmendinger has an offer to drive the No. 47 JTG Daugherty NASCAR Sprint Cup car in 2014.
Team owner Tad Geschickter confirmed to FOXSports.com a full-time deal had been offered to Allmendinger. The driver confirmed JTGD’s proposal late Wednesday night.
Sources say the team has scheduled a news conference for Saturday.