NASCAR: Winners And Losers From Sonoma

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June 26, 2016; Sonoma, CA, USA; Sprint Cup Series driver AJ Allmendinger (47) during the Toyota Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Loser: AJ Allmendinger

Coming into the race, AJ Allmendinger was a hot pick. Serving as arguably the best road course racer in the Cup Series, he was set for another great day as he had earned a starting position of second.

After staying in contention early and leading 20 laps, Allmendinger looked poised to compete late and earn at least a top-5 finish. However, disaster struck on the team’s final pit stop as they were issued a penalty for an uncontrolled tire.

PENALTY: AJ Allmendinger, uncontrolled tire. OUCH!!
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) June 26, 2016

After a solid day and a chance at a win, Allmendinger was sent to the back of the pack, working his way up to a 14th-place finish.

This wasn’t the first time Allmendinger suffered from a disappointing finish at Sonoma though. In 2014, he finished 37th after leading 35 laps and being involved in a wreck late in the race. Last season, he also finished 37th. Allmendinger won the pole and stayed at the front early but eventually exited the race after a fuel system problem.

For Allmendinger, there’s likely one last good opportunity for him to get a win this season: Watkins Glen–the same place where he won his first and only Cup Series race.

Next: More Road Course Races...

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