Allmendinger, Suarez, Bowman, Elliott Go for One Million Dollars

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A.J. Allmendinger didn’t let off the throttle at any point in the final four laps of the Monster Energy Open on Saturday at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Allmendinger’s aggression earned him a victory in the Open and – joining Stage 1 winner Alex Bowman, Stage 2 winner Daniel Suarez and Fan Vote winner Chase Elliott – a berth in the Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race.

Allmendinger, the driver of the No. 47 Kroger ClickList Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, cleared Elliott and Bubba Wallace in a thrilling final segment. Erik Jones finished second in the race with Elliott third, Paul Menard fourth and Chris Buescher – Allmendinger’s teammate – fifth. Wallace led the first seven laps of the final segment but faded to 11th.

A.J. ALLMENDINGER, No. 47 ClickList Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 (Race Winner): “I made the decision that I was crashing, or I was winning. This is big for the organization, all my guys here at the race track, back at the shop. For Kroger ClickList, especially, to be able to call us all-stars for the night is great. We’re making progress. We’re not where we want to be yet as a race team, but we’re getting better. It’s just nice to cap it off and now have a chance to race for a million dollars.”

ALEX BOWMAN, No. 88 Axalta Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 (Stage Winner): “The car was really good. We were wide open all the time. I’m really proud of all my guys. Other people’s cars weren’t driving as well as ours was. The All-Star Race is going to be interesting. The track is going to cool down. The racing is probably going to get a little wilder. But, it is just so cool to be a part of it. It’s a privilege to be driving for Hendrick Motorsports. And it’s really cool to make the All-Star Race.”

DANIEL SUAREZ, No. 19 ARRIS Toyota Camry (Stage Winner): “It was good. It was fun. I’m very proud of my guys. The pit crew did an amazing job again. Last year we were able to make it and this year we’re able to again, so I’m very proud of that.”

CHASE ELLIOTT, No. 9 SunEnergy1 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 (Fan Vote Winner): “Very appreciative of the fans. For sure, I really wanted to race my way in and not to have to even worry about the fan vote this evening. It was a fun race. Kind of interesting to drive it; I’m sure it was interesting to watch it. I’m looking forward to being in the big show. I appreciate all of the fans who voted for me again this year. Hopefully this time next year we will be in the big show and won’t have to worry about it. I am just so appreciative of the support. You know, being the third year in a row means a lot to me. It’s very special as a racer that the folks that are home voting have my back like that. We will keep working at it and hopefully get that win.”

TICKETS:
Tickets, pre-race pit passes and camping packages for next Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 are available by visiting online. Kids 13 and under get in for just $10. Race tickets are also available at the gates or by calling 1-800-455-FANS (3267).

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