Loose In Turn Three - April25th

Today on Loose In Turn Three, we debate the issue of A.J. Allmendinger and his potential for success.

AJ Allmendinger,
Is the Ex-CHamp Driver Going to Make the Cut over the Next Year?

Bruce: AJ Allmendinger, Is the Ex-CHamp Driver Going to Make the Cut over the Next Year?
Bruce: AJ is going back in the No. 84 Toyota after Mike Skinner helmed it for a few weeks. The team was at a loss as much as AJ was as to what they needed to improve. As much as I like AJ, I'm wondering if this mix of a brand new team and new Cup driver is an uphill battle for AJ. He's got the spirit, but I'm not sure he's got the talent.

TZ: If you're asking whether or not AJ will be back with Red Bull next season, I believe the answer is yes. I think the organization's command decision to temporarily relieve AJ of his duties in the car was the correct choice, though perhaps misguided. I think the group will get it together enough for them to make races and compete for top-15's.

Charlie: At the start of the 2007 season, I thought that Red Bull Racing was the most progressive of the new Toyota teams. By choosing young, very talented drivers Brian Vickers and AJ Allmendinger, Red Bull was the Toyota team that seemed to be taking the long view of developing a winning organization. I don't think that Red Bull has changed their opinion on AJ. The Skinner move was as much intended to evaluate the rest of that team as AJ. The Cup Series is tough. But it seems to me that the best thing to have is great drivers. I think AJ is one.


See our other topics over with

Tim Zaegel of
DoYouNASCAR: Will Jeff Gordon Ever Win a Fifth Cup Championship?

Charlie Turner of
On Pit Row: Is there a "Danica" on the NASCAR horizon?