IMSA News: AJ Allmendinger Reunites with Meyer Shank Racing for 2026 Endurance Battles
In the world of endurance racing, few relationships run as deep as the one between Mike Shank and AJ Allmendinger. After a five-year absence, the NASCAR star is returning to the fold at Acura Meyer Shank Racing (MSR), set to contest the iconic Rolex 24 at Daytona in January 2026—his 16th start in the twice-around-the-clock classic with the team that feels like family.
–by Mark Cipolloni–
It all began back in the mid-2000s when Shank first called on Allmendinger, then an up-and-coming open-wheel talent, to join his squad. Their partnership exploded onto the scene in 2012, when Allmendinger anchored the final stint to deliver MSR’s breakthrough overall victory in the top prototype class, sharing the car with Ozz Negri, Justin Wilson, and John Pew. Podiums followed in 2013 (third overall) and 2018 (second in GTD), cementing “All” as a cornerstone of the team’s Daytona legacy. His last outing with MSR came in 2021 aboard the Acura ARX-05 DPi.
Acura MSR will once again field two full-season Acura ARX-06 GTP entries in 2026.
Now, fast-forward to 2026, and Allmendinger is back in the No. 60 Acura ARX-06 for Daytona only, joining full-season drivers Tom Blomqvist and Colin Braun, plus the legendary Scott Dixon—who returns for the full endurance slate: Daytona, Sebring, and Petit Le Mans. Dixon, the six-time IndyCar champion with four Rolex 24 wins to his name, helped the team to a runner-up finish at Daytona in 2025.
“Mike Shank is one of the most important people in my life,” Allmendinger said, his voice full of gratitude. “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’s excitement is just as palpable. “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,” the team co-owner beamed. “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.”
Across the garage, the sister No. 93 Acura ARX-06 sees continuity with full-season pilots Renger van der Zande and Nick Yelloly welcoming back reigning four-time IndyCar champion Alex Palou for Daytona, Sebring, and Petit Le Mans. Palou impressed in 2025 with a runner-up at Sebring. Japanese standout Kakunoshin “Kaku” Ohta also returns for Daytona and the Six Hours of Watkins Glen, building on his promising IMSA debut last year.
“I’m super excited about Scott, Alex, and Kaku returning to their endurance roles in 2026,” Shank added. “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.”
Coming off a strong 2025 campaign—with wins at Watkins Glen and Detroit, plus multiple podiums that secured second in the manufacturers’ championship—Acura MSR is loading up for another assault on the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup. Preparations are already underway, with testing at Daytona slated for mid-November 2025, where Allmendinger will shake down the GTP machine alongside the core lineup.
For Allmendinger, stepping into the hybrid-powered Acura ARX-06 marks a new chapter in an old story—one of friendship, redemption, and the unrelenting pursuit of victory under Daytona’s floodlights. As the countdown to the 2026 Rolex 24 begins, this reunion feels like the perfect spark for what could be another unforgettable run.