As a part of the team’s Fan Fest on October 5th, Kaulig Racing announced their 2023 driver lineups in both the Cup and Xfinity Series.
Surrounded by team president Chris Rice and team owner Matt Kaulig, current Xfinity driver AJ Allmendinger sat in front of reporters at Kaulig’s headquarters in Welcome, North Carolina Wednesday morning. Shortly after 11:00 am, it was announced that Allmendinger would be moving to the two-car Cup team full-time in 2023.
Also on the Cup side, it was announced that current Kaulig driver Justin Haley would be returning to the 31 as a part of his multi-year deal announced in 2021. Haley and Allmendinger, known for their close on-and-off-track relationship, will complete Kaulig’s first full-time lineup in the Cup Series.
“I love working with Justin as well and being able to see his growth,” said Allmendinger. “I think we have more growth to do together, and it makes returning to the Cup Series full-time with Kaulig Racing an easy decision.”
On the Xfinity side of the team, Allmendinger’s departure meant there would be an open seat in the 16 car for 2023. Shortly after Allmendinger’s announcement, the team shared who would be filling that open seat. Current Kyle Busch Motorsports Truck Series driver Chandler Smith signed a multi-year deal with the team.
“He’s a very outgoing guy, and I think with the other two teammates he’s gonna have, they’ll just bring him in, love him and care for him. It won’t be an AJ in the car, but I think he can get there in time,” president Chris Rice said of Smith.
As for those other two teammates? The picture is nearly clear. The team announced that Landon Cassill will be returning to the 10 car in 2023. Rice also stated that he hopes to have Daniel Hemric return to the 11, but they are still working on securing funding for him.
The team will take on the Charlotte ROVAL this weekend with Hemric, Allmendinger, and Cassill competing in the Drive for the Cure 250 on Saturday as well as Haley and Allmendinger in the Bank of America ROVAL 400 on Sunday.
Featured photo from Stacy Revere.
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