Major shifts are underway at Kaulig Racing as the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series team unveils alterations to its competition leadership. Mike Cook, a former lead engineer at Stewart-Haas Racing with drivers like Kurt Busch, Aric Almirola, and Chase Briscoe, is now joining Kaulig Racing as Technical Director. This move marks a significant step in the team's growth and development.

The Impact of Mike Cook's Arrival

After a decade of honing his skills, Mike Cook is excited to contribute to Kaulig Racing's ongoing success. As the winner of the 2017 Daytona 500, he brings a wealth of experience and expertise. "Nothing in racing happens overnight," he said. "But with the tools and support at Kaulig Racing, I'm confident I can make an immediate impact." His leadership is expected to bring a new level of innovation and performance to the team.

The Technical Director's Role

The Technical Director plays a crucial role in a racing team, overseeing the technical aspects and ensuring the cars are optimized for performance. Mike Cook will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to enhance the team's competitiveness. His experience at Stewart-Haas Racing has equipped him with the knowledge and skills needed to handle the challenges of NASCAR racing. He will work closely with the drivers and the rest of the team to achieve the best possible results.

AJ Allmendinger's New Crew Chief

AJ Allmendinger has a new crew chief for the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series season. Andrew Dickenson, a former Richard Childress Racing engineer, has moved over to Kaulig Racing and been named crew chief for Ty Dillon's No. 10 team. Dickenson developed his motorsports acumen in the Australian V8 Supercars Super2 Series and within the United States. His recent work with Kaulig Racing's technical alliance partner Richard Childress Racing has given him valuable insights into the sport. "Andrew has the demeanor and stability that I think will give Ty the best opportunity he has ever had at the Cup level," said Mike Cook. "Both drivers are hungry and dedicated, and I'm confident this team will be strong in 2025."

Trent Owens' Return

Further changes to the pit box include long-time crew chief Trent Owens reuniting with AJ Almendinger as he makes his return to the NASCAR Cup Series. Last season, Almendinger raced in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and qualified for the Championship 4 in Phoenix. Owens has over 20 years of experience in motorsports and his teams have achieved significant success, winning one NASCAR Cup Series race, five NASCAR Xfinity Series races, and one NASCAR Craftsman race. His return is expected to bring stability and continuity to the team.

The Team's Debut

The revamped Kaulig Racing team will make its track debut on February 2, 2025, during the NASCAR Clash at Bowman in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The green flag is scheduled to drop at 8:00 p.m. (ET), marking the beginning of a new era for the team. With a talented competition leadership group in place, Kaulig Racing is poised to make a strong showing on the track and compete for championships in the coming years.