AJ Allmendinger says he's trying to move on from his confrontation with car owner Richard Petty last week.
After crashing during Saturday's race at Daytona International Speedway, Allmendinger had a heated exchange with Petty in the garage area, turning his back on his boss and storming away from the seven-time NASCAR champion.
''We had a really fast car last week. I was disappointed,'' Allmendinger said in comments issued through a Richard Petty Motorsports team spokesperson on Friday at Chicagoland Speedway.
''I'm the hardest one on myself. We're both passionate and we were both frustrated. And I'd rather have him frustrated than not care at all. We've definitely moved on and we're ready to pick back up here at Chicago.''
Allmendinger had strong cars at both Daytona races but finished outside the top 30 both times.
''Daytona is behind us and we're focusing on this weekend,'' team vice president Robbie Loomis said. ''AJ's a hard-charging and fierce competitor and he's as passionate as anybody out there. I can't describe how bad that guy wants to win and he will win. It's just a matter of when.''
