AJ Allmendinger, Kaulig Racing continue on a quick path

Will Vegas be remembered as the Comeback Weekend?

Kyle Busch nearly started it in Friday’s truck race, restarting 25th with 31 laps left and nearly coming all the way back — John Hunter Nemechek held him off in one of Busch’s own trucks. Then it was AJ Allmendinger on Saturday, getting a win in his first full-time season since 2018. And finally Kyle Larson on Sunday, grabbing an early-season trophy in his comeback campaign. And barely below the surface, you’ll see something potentially promising for the future.

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Go ahead, give it up

Allmendinger is part of the three-car Kaulig Racing effort for the 2021 Xfinity Series season. Team owner Matt Kaulig is also fielding a part-time Cup car this year, with eyes on buying a charter and going full-time in Cup next year. The team began racing in 2016, has eight wins since 2019, and by all accounts is going about its business the right way. The Cup Series has been hungry for new, younger ownership that works through the system successfully, and this might be the one.

— Ken Willis