It’s official.  After months of rumor and speculation, Red Bull Racing announced that AJ Allmendinger is out for ‘09.  I’m kind of sad to see Allmendinger go.  Kid had talent and he’s marketable.  Here’s the official announcement from Red Bull Racing.

Red Bull Racing Team and driver AJ Allmendinger have agreed to part ways for the 2009 NASCAR
Sprint Cup Series season.  Allmendinger is in his second NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season driving
the No. 84 Red Bull Toyota, which currently sits 34th in owners’ points.

“AJ is a talented driver and we really enjoyed working with him,” said RBRT Vice President and
General Manager Jay Frye. “He’s come a long way in just two years and we wish him nothing but
the best.”

In an effort to continue the development of the No. 84 team, Red Bull athlete Mike Skinner will
drive the No. 84 Red Bull Toyota during this week’s Lowe’s Motor Speedway open test.  Skinner has
been called upon by RBRT on multiple occasions since the team’s 2006 NSCS entrance, including a
five-race stint in the No. 84 earlier in the 2008 season, as well as mentor duties for both
Allmendinger and Red Bull development driver Scott Speed. Skinner will round off a three-car test
for Red Bull Racing Team alongside Red Bull development driver Scott Speed in the No. 82, and
Brian Vickers in the No. 83.

Red Bull Racing Team will make an announcement regarding the 2009 driver lineup at a later date.