Allmendinger to replace Labonte to some races
AJ Allmendinger will take over as driver of the No. 47 Toyota for up to five future races, replacing Bobby Labonte.
The change will start next weekend at Michigan International Speedway and continue at Watkins Glen on Aug. 11. Three other races may also be included.
Brad Daugherty, co-owner of JTG/Daugherty Racing, explained the move to ESPN on Saturday.
"Bobby is still our guy," Daugherty said. "We have five unsponsored races, but we may get sponsorship on three of those, so we'll see. We plan to pick three other races for A.J. to run."
The team wants to expand to two cars at some point to include both drivers, but the drivers' performances have not justified the addition.
Labonte, who won the 2000 Cup championship, is in his third season with JTG/Daugherty Racing. He is 23rd in the Sprint Cup standings, but has not had a top 10 finish.
Allmendinger has been in four races this season while driving the No. 51 for Phoenix Racing and team owner James Finch. He also has not finished a race in the top 10 but has placed 16th or better all four times.
Allmendinger is starting 18th in the No. 51 Chevy at Pocono on Sunday. Labonte is in the 29th position. Because rain washed out qualifying Friday, the starts are based on team owner points.
