Road course master AJ Allmendinger feels ‘lot of pressure’ at Watkins Glen

RELATED: Watkins Glen schedule WATKINS GLEN, N. Y. -- AJ Allmendinger was in high demand among the media at Watkins Glen International on Friday. And the track's 2014 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race winner was absolutely ready to oblige the interviews -- eager to talk about his chances to get his No. 47 Kroger's Chevrolet in Victory Lane and into the playoffs. Actually, just hoisting a trophy again at this historic and scenic 2.45-mile track among the New York hills would feel awfully good for Allmendinger, who is currently 27th in the Cup standings. Every time he comes to this venue, Allmendinger, 35, is a favorite. And he's earned the designation. "It has such great memories for me and every time I drive in through the tunnel those memories come back up a little bit," Allmendinger said. "There's a lot of pressure on the weekend from the outside world, there's a lot of pressure on myself. "I try not to get too excited for it," he said allowing a smile. "I'm trying to learn how to keep those emotions a little more even-keeled. I do know if we go out there and I'm at my best and the team is at their best together we have an opportunity to win this race and that's all you can ask for." The former open-wheel star-turned NASCAR fan favorite has five top-10 finishes in eight starts at The Glen. He won in 2014 and finished fourth last year. RELATED: Allmendinger's Watkins Glen statistics His ability to shine on a road course has not only made him a perennial favorite at NASCAR's two road-course shows (also Sonoma) but it's made him a popular guy in the garage. His competitors stop by to chat and, quite predictably, to get his take on the best way to handle a corner or set up a car. "I haven't had Martin Truex and Kyle Busch come and ask me a lot of questions, they're pretty good around here," Allmendinger said with a laugh. "There's little tricks you'll always keep to yourself but there's guys like Jeff Gordon, Mark Martin, Jimmie Johnson and Tony Stewart who, when I had questions, they'd answer me straight up no matter what type of race track I was on. "That meant a lot to me and I'm the same way with other drivers that ask me questions, especially on the road courses. "You've got to believe in yourself, not feel like you have to hide something. I believe in myself that when I'm at my best, when we're at our best, we have the opportunity to dominate, to win the race." RELATED: Winless drivers in 2017 who could win at Watkins Glen Allmendinger acknowledged Sunday's "I Love New York 355 at The Glen" (3 p.m. ET, NBCSN, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) may feel different from past years. Qualifying for the Cup race is only three hours before the green flag. There are two short practices Saturday. "I really like the two-day schedule ... but it makes practice and unloading your race car with a good set-up right away so much more important," Allmendinger said. "With only two short practices, if you unload better it really separates the good cars from the bad cars. Qualifying? I like it, especially if you have a good qualifying. "But I think I can make passes, no matter where." It's a cool confidence and optimism he deserves to have. His story line and opportunity at Watkins Glen make him a trophy consideration every time NASCAR arrives at the legendary track. "I don't know if it'll be the quickest car but … I do know that no matter what, if we put our best effort forward we can be inside the top-five and that's all you can ask for is to be in the top-five late in this race," Allmendinger said. "Anything can happen. We've seen that in last couple years. You just have to put yourself in that position. I believe in my team and I believe in myself. Just the effort my guys have put in, that [team owners] Tad and Jodi [Geschickter] do for us and Kroger. It's inspiring. I want to put it on my shoulders and carry Kroger and all my guys into victory lane." [gallery_content baseUrl="https://www.nascar.com" galleryID="1346" photocount="0"]