“We Are Not Looking to Sell”- Kaulig Racing Insider Clears the Air on the Team’s Charter

Kaulig Racing is ready for its third full-time season in the Cup Series. In the 2024 silly season, the team underlined its ambitions through swift moves and sponsorship deals. The same could be said about the team’s Xfinity Series roster. With veteran A.J. Allmendinger returning to the second tier, he will be partnered with Trackhouse Racing loanee Shane van Gisbergen, who has a solid driver core.

Currently, Kaulig Racing has two charters in the top flight, #16 and #31. With an ambitious approach to 2024, people have wondered how long Matt Kaulig and Co.’s dream in the Cup Series will last. Recently, SiriusXM NASCAR podcast host Dave Moody had the same question as he interrogated the team president, Chris Rice, about a possible charter sale shortly. However, Rice’s answer was loud and clear.

There is no foreseeable charter sale for Kaulig Racing

Last year, another exciting turn of events was Spire Motorsports‘ acquisition of a charter spot from Live Fast Motorsports for an estimated $40 million. Following the takeover, the team also went on to buy Kyle Busch Motorsports in the Truck Series. With the continuous influx of young blood and mature drivers into the sport, teams have been aiming to expand their rosters to accommodate more talent than earlier.

Dave Moody wondered if Kaulig Racing could play the same card as Live Fast anytime soon in a conversation with Chris Rice. Chris Rice answered that the team’s ambitions are something to pay attention to and are a foundation for an impactful future. Its partnership with Trackhouse Racing has also been fruitful, with a significant boost in the Xfinity Series firepower.

“We are not looking to sell. Never have been and never will be,” declared Rice. “I think Matt (Kaulig) loves NASCAR. I think he loves doing it differently because it does shake up the silly season, but we’re not looking to sell.”

Turning it into a question of being on the lookout for sponsors, Rice added, “Now, does that mean we’re looking for partners? We’re always looking for people that might wanna partner with us, but we’re not looking to sell. We never have been. And I don’t foresee Matt looking to sell in the next 24 months. That’s where we are at.”

The team will field only one full-time car in the Cup Series, with the #31 being driven by Daniel Hemric. Hemric has spent the past two years trying to launch his bid for a Cup Series spot with Kaulig Racing’s Xfinity program. Filling in for Justin Haley, who has switched to the RWR-RFK Racing alliance, Hemric will be partnered by multiple drivers in the #16.

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The #16 Chevrolet will run a part-time schedule, with A.J. Allmendinger coming up from Xfinity for a limited number of races. All in all, Kaulig Racing has prepared a robust short-term plan with equipment to produce a playoff run in the Cup Series. However, unlike its strong suit, Xfinity Cup racing is at a different level.

What could 2024 potentially produce for Matt Kaulig and the team?

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In his last eight races at the Daytona International Speedway, A.J. Allmendinger finished in the top 10 six times. His expertise in the Great American Race will begin the season for Kaulig Racing again in 2024. ‘The Dinger’ will drive the #16 Chevy in the season-opening Daytona 500.

A change of crew chiefs means Matt Swiderski is out of the team, and Travis Mack will call the shots for multiple drivers in the #16. Having been with Trackhouse Racing since its debut in 2021, Mack has previously won in the Cup Series with Daniel Suarez at Sonoma in 2022. Travis Mack’s proficiency in building a gradual season that can challenge for the playoffs is something Kaulig Racing will look forward to.

As for the full-time spot in #31, Daniel Hemric has been waiting to succeed in the Cup Series. The 2021 Xfinity Series champion has represented Kaulig Racing previously, albeit in a part-time role in 2022. With an experienced figure like Allmendinger on the team, he can always learn some tricks of the trade in the biggest stock car racing competition.

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If all goes well, Hemric could challenge for a playoff spot or, even better, qualify for it. However, considering it is a transitional season and there is a new crew chief in Trent Owens, one could expect some hiccups. There will be some glimpses of brilliance from the team, but overall, 2024 might resemble Kaulig Racing’s 2023 season.