The kid dubbed "Little Gator" - for his size and ferociousness behind the wheel - returns to NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) competition in 2012, to pilot the No. 31 BRANDT Chevrolet out of the Turner Motorsports stable. After a successful 2011, where Allgaier notched one win, six top-five and 17 top-10 finishes en route to a third-place finish in the final standings, the young driver is poised for a run at the series championship in 2012.
By the time he was 12 years-old, he was a five-time Quarter Midget champion with more than 100 wins under his belt. It was in 2001, that Allgaier made a real name for himself in the open-wheel ranks, becoming the youngest driver to ever advance to the A-Main at the famed Chili Bowl Midget Nationals in Tulsa, Okla. Continuing to race open-wheel machines, Allgaier wanted to make the transition into stock car competition.
In 2002, Allgaier made his debut in the ARCA Racing Series and continued part-time in the series for the next three years. ARCA competition became a full-time pursuit for Allgaier in 2006, as he raced in 21 of the 23 events that season, earning a 10th-place finish in the driver’s championship point standings and capturing his first victory at his home track (Springfield, Ill.).
The ever-busy Allgaier raced two more full seasons in the ARCA Racing Series, finishing fourth in the driver’s championship points standings in 2007, racking up one win, four top-five and 11 top-10 finishes. In 2008, Allgaier experienced his true breakthrough in stock car racing, winning the ARCA Racing Series championship. In 21 events he collected a whopping six victories, 14 top-five and 16 top-10 finishes.
In 2009, he made the jump into Nationwide Series competition with Penske Racing. He was credited with three top-five and 12 top-10 finishes ending the season sixth in the championship driver point standings and capturing Rookie of the Year honors. In 2010, he collected his first NNS victory at Bristol Motor Speedway (March) and racked up eight top-five and 20 top-10 finishes. The 24-year-old driver finished a career-best fourth overall in the final championship points standings, which categorized him as the highest finishing series-only regular.
The 2011 season brought changes for Allgaier as he moved to the newly formed Turner Motorsports where he took over the No. 31 Chevrolet, adorned with the colors of new sponsor BRANDT, a professional agriculture company headquartered in Springfield, Ill., just minutes from Allgaier’s native Riverton. In 2012, Allgaier hopes to improve upon his third-place, 2011 finish by bringing home the NASCAR Nationwide Series Championship for BRANDT and Turner Motorsports.
2011
Joined Turner Motorsports to pilot the No. 31 Turner Motorsports Chevrolet Impala, acquiring Brandt Consolidated as a new major sponsor.
2010
Collected his first NNS victory at Bristol Motor Speedway in March 2010. Had a breakout season with 8 top-five and 20 top-ten finishes. Finished a career best, placing fourth overall in the final championship points standings—the highest-finishing placement for a non-NASCAR Sprint Cup Series regular.
2009
Made the move to the Nationwide Series in the Penske Racing No. 12 entry. Acquired 3 top-five and 12 top-ten finishes, ending the season sixth in the championship driver points standings and capturing the Raybestos Rookie of the Year award.
2008
Experienced his racing breakthrough, collecting 6 victories, 14 top-five and 16 top-ten finishes. A victory at Toledo Speedway propelled him to the ARCA Racing Series Championship.
2007
Placed third in the Chili Bowl Run’s A-Main, placing him on the podium with NASCAR stars and Midget racing legends like Tony Stewart and J.J. Yeley. Raced the full 23-race ARCA Racing Series season, finishing fourth in the driver’s championship standings.
2006
Began competing full-time in ARCA, racing 21 of the 23 events that season and earning a tenth place finish in the driver’s championship point standings. Competed in the 2006 Chili Bowl, where he advanced to the A-Main race. Became the first local driver to win championship points at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.
2005
Made first entry into the NASCAR competition, in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Earned his first “Park Pole” award and established a new track record at the Illinois State Fairgrounds Dirt Track. His ARCA Racing Series sponsor, the United States Air Force, presented the young driver, as well as Allgaier Motorsports, the highly-coveted American Spirit Award.
2004
Represented the U.S.A. in the South Pacific Saloon Car Championship in New Zealand, posting 2 top-five finishes.
2002
Made his debut in the ARCA Racing Series, earning a best finish of 11th. Continued part-time the series for the next 2 years, scoring 3 top-five and 5 top-ten finishes in 11 starts.
2001
Became the youngest driver to advance to the A-Main race at the Chili Bowl, the USAC Midget Series opener.