AJ Allmendinger finished 22nd in the final NASCAR Sprint Cup Series standings last year. Through the 2016 season's first seven races, Allmendinger in the No. 47 Chevrolet is 15th.
Part of the improvement can be attributed to the burgeoning simpatico between Allmendinger and new crew chief Randall Burnett. But much of the credit also goes to an improved qualifying program.
Over 36 races last year, Allmendinger had an average starting position of 21.6. By qualifying ninth at Bristol Motor Speedway, this year's average improved to 16.9.
Since Daytona, in each of the seven knockout qualifying sessions, Allmendinger advanced at least to the second round, and on three occasions, including Friday's time trials, he has made it to the final round, ensuring a top-12 starting spot.