A Strategic Return
Kaulig Racing announced that Suburban Propane will serve as the primary sponsor for AJ Allmendinger’s No. 16 entry in the NASCAR Cup Series night race at Bristol Motor Speedway on September 19. The deal marks the company’s return to auto racing sponsorship after a hiatus that dates back to the 1990s.
Allmendinger welcomed the partnership, noting Suburban Propane’s longstanding connection to NASCAR and the brand’s deep roots in the sport. The driver, who has a strong history at Bristol, secured a pole position at the track last year and has repeatedly demonstrated speed on the half‑mile concrete surface.
Suburban Propane’s involvement traces back to 1996, when it backed Tommy Houston’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Series team. Houston’s effort produced three top‑10 finishes, a performance that still resonates with the company’s racing heritage.
Nandini Sankara, vice president of marketing and brand strategy at Suburban Propane, said she is excited to see the brand rejoin the NASCAR ecosystem through a collaboration with Kaulig Racing. Her endorsement underscores the strategic importance of the partnership for both the sponsor and the team.
The upcoming Bristol night race comes at a critical juncture for Allmendinger and Kaulig Racing. With four events remaining, the duo remains in contention for the Chase, despite operating without a major manufacturer backing. Allmendinger has already logged 14 races this season, including a win in the Xfinity Series at Bristol and a pole for the Cup event last year.
Beyond the Cup Series, Allmendinger’s résumé at Bristol includes a victory in the Xfinity race, a pole in the Cup race, and a 15th‑place finish in the spring event. He has also led 78 laps in Cup competition at the track and accumulated three top‑10 finishes, underscoring his comfort with the venue.
The partnership illustrates how historic sponsors can re‑enter a sport that has evolved dramatically since the 1990s, while also providing a platform for teams like Kaulig Racing to compete at the highest level. Fans can expect a high‑stakes showdown when the green flag drops on September 19.