March 6th, 2009 
T.C. When Alltel was acquired last year by Verizon Wireless, most of us wondered how it would affect Alltel’s deal with Penske Racing. Because of past experience (Cingular/AT&T) it was clear that Sprint would not allow a Verizon sponsored car to run in the Cup Series. We have since seen how Verizon and Penske have worked around the sponsor ban. What we didn’t see coming, was how all of this would help a young driver from Riverton, IL get his big chance.
Late last season, Penske Racing announced that it had signed ARCA RE/MAX Series driver Justin Allgaier to a driver development deal. He would run a partial Nationwide Series schedule for the rest of 2008, and do the same for 2009. Allgaier went on to run four races for Penske, with a best finish of 11th at Phoenix, and closed out the year by collecting the ARCA championship in a wild finish at Toledo.
It appeared heading into 2009 that Allgaier would again run a partial schedule, with the number of races depending on sponsorship. But where problems were created with Verizon’s Cup Series situation, opportunity was created for Allgaier.
Since Verizon’s logo wouldn’t be allowed in Cup competition, the wireless carrier worked a deal with Penske Racing to gain exposure elsewhere. Because Sprint’s contract only covers the Cup Series, Verizon decided to take their marketing efforts to the Nationwide Series. They signed on to sponsor the #12 Dodge and run the full 2009 schedule; with Allgaier at the wheel.
Leading Allgaier and the Verizon team for the 2009 season is veteran Nationwide Series crew chief Chad Walter, who came over to Penske late in 2008 after several years at Hendrick and JR Motorsports.
After three races this season, Allgaier and Walter have not disappointed. Even though they were caught up in a wreck at Daytona, the team has rebounded to earn two straight top 15 finishes, including an eighth last week at Las Vegas. Allgaier currently sits 11th in the points, and is only 15 markers out of the top 10.
Having gotten the opportunity to see this kid drive some over the last few years, I can tell you first hand he’s got talent. He was able to win the ARCA championship driving for his family owned team on a shoestring budget, and thankfully it got him noticed.
It seems lately that we are seeing fewer and fewer cases like this, of a driver getting an opportunity to race for a premier team in an upper series based on his talent and achievements. It has become more about who can write the big check, as opposed to who can actually drive a racecar.
Kudos must be given to Tim Cindric and the folks at Penske for giving Allgaier a chance, and I’m sure they won’t be disappointed. He’s a great young driver with a bright future, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him and that Verizon Dodge in Victory Lane before the year is out.
Related posts:
Posted in 
Tags: 
Justin’s run at Vegas was fun to watch and better than an 8th place result.
Too bad RCR didn’t work out a similar deal with ATT. It would be nice to have the 21 car back in the Nationwide Series.
I tell, I am really liking the way this Allgaier kid looks. I think he has a good cup career ahead of him. Not a Jeff Gordon, but certainly capable of some wins and success. He may have his shot if Hornish doesn’t improve. I can’t see him staying much longer with they he is running.