"I met you at 31 and it felt like lightning": Tara Allmendinger pours her heart out for husband AJ Allmendinger

AJ Allmendinger turns 44 today, and the Kaulig Racing driver received a personal tribute on social media from his wife, Tara Allmendinger.

As the couple enjoys the NASCAR off-season, Tara reflected on their journey together on his birthday. She posted a carousel of pictures with AJ and their son, Aero James Allmendinger, and wrote on Instagram:

“I met you at 31 and it felt like being struck by lightning. Every year since, my admiration and love for you have only grown. You get more handsome with time, but it’s your heart, your strength, and who you are that leaves me in awe.” “Thank you for being the best father to Aero—watching you love and lead him makes me fall deeper in love with you every single day. I’m so grateful for our life, for the way you believe in me, and for giving me the space to chase my dreams... Here’s to leveling up, even when it’s hard. I wouldn’t want this life with anyone but you. I love you.❤️,” she added.

Tara Allmendinger also encouraged him to ignore self-doubt, pointing to faith. She later reposted the tribute to her Instagram story with a lighter note, writing:

“The main reason I have a six pack is because he makes me laugh constantly.”

Tara is a licensed chiropractor and a mental health advocate. She is often seen supporting AJ Allmendinger across the NASCAR calendar. The couple got married in 2019 and welcomed their first child, Aero James Allmendinger, in September 2023. Aero was born with craniosynostosis, but he has since outgrown it. Tara was also crowned Mrs. North Carolina America in 2021.

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Kaulig Racing yet to confirm lineup as AJ Allmendinger looks forward to 2026

AJ Allmendinger before the 2017 Apache Warrior 400 at Dover. Source: Imagn

AJ Allmendinger’s birthday arrived after a difficult 2025 campaign. The No. 16 Kaulig Racing driver finished 26th in the final standings, with top-five finishes at Charlotte and Darlington. However, inconsistency and DNFs kept him from playoff contention.

Kaulig’s Cup Series lineup, besides Allmendinger, remains unresolved. Ty Dillon, who drove the No. 10 car in 2025, managed just one top-10 finish, and the organization has yet to confirm him for next year. Beginning in 2026, the organization will field five entries in the Truck Series with support from Ram. The move represents a significant strategic step for a relatively young team.

For Allmendinger, 2026 frames the next phase of his career. He remains a proven asset on road courses and a steady hand on difficult ovals, while Kaulig Racing navigates a period of transition.

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Edited by Riddhiman Sarkar