Allmendinger Set for MSR Return in Rolex 24

Photo: Rick Dole/IMSA

AJ Allmendinger is set for his first IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship start in four years, having been confirmed as part of Acura Meyer Shank Racing’s lineup for the Rolex 24 at Daytona.

The 43-year-old will make his GTP debut in the team’s No. 60 Acura ARX-06 alongside full season drivers Colin Braun and Tom Blomqvist and six-time NTT IndyCar Series champion Scott Dixon, who is set to again contest the three long-distance Michelin Endurance Cup races with the team.

Allmendinger, winner of the 2012 Rolex 24 with the Ohio-based team, last appeared in the Florida endurance classic in 2021, finishing fourth in an Acura ARX-05 DPi that he shared with Dane Cameron, Olivier Pla and Juan Pablo Montoya.

January’s run will mark his 16th start in the Florida endurance classic.

“Mike Shank is one of the most important people in my life,” said Allmendinger. “He’s one of my best friends and a brother to me.

“I’ve missed driving for him at the Rolex 24 and feel so fortunate to get another opportunity. The race has always been one of my favorites and I can’t wait to get there.”

Shank added: “I can’t say enough about how happy it makes me to bring AJ back to the team for his 16th Rolex 24 with MSR.

“He is the definition of a professional race car driver and can do it all behind the wheel.

“Not only is he a great racer, he’s also like a brother to me, and to have his energy back on the team is really exciting. It’s a huge challenge for anyone to come in and learn to drive GTP cars, but I can’t wait to get him going.”

As previously announced, also on social media last week, the No. 93 Acura will continue with the full season pairing of Nick Yelloly and Renger van der Zande, with newly crowned four-time IndyCar champion Alex Palou and Honda Racing Corporation factory driver Kaku Ohta completing the lineup for Daytona, confirmed on Tuesday.

Palou, who is confirmed for Daytona, the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring and Motul Petit Le Mans, missed last month’s season finale at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta due to legal proceedings in the UK over his contract dispute with McLaren and was replaced in the No. 93 Acura by Tristan Vautier.

Ohta, meanwhile, will also contest the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen in the No. 93 Acura.

“I am super excited about Scott, Alex and Kaku returning to their endurance roles in 2026,” added Shank. “They’re all mega pros and now have a year of experience together alongside our amazing full-time drivers. This will go a long way in delivering Acura big results.”

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John