“It’s the way he drives.” “It’s his personality.” “It’s because he’s from my area.”
Sifting through the crowd at the San Jose Grand Prix Sunday, A.J. Allmendinger’s fans were out en masse and eager to share just why they passionately root for the No. 7 car driver and South Bay native.
And with Champ Car’s future and that of open-wheel racing in this country up in the air, the series and the event’s promoters had to smile at the growing allure of the one-time Hollister resident, the series’ only American driver.
Even though it was far from a banner day on the track for Allmendinger, who struggled to a seventh-place finish after qualifying third, you could hardly tell based on the boisterous backing of the crowd.
“It’s like any sport – you have a favorite you support. You have a connection,” said John Scalmanini of San Jose, who organized a five-row contingent of 150-plus Allmendinger fans seated close to the start line.
Asked how he was initially drawn to Allmendinger, Scalmanini noted “his driving style and his heart. You feel his heart.”
More than a few ticket buyers spoke of knowing Allmendinger personally and having followed his ascent through the racing ranks for more than 10 years.
Kurt Jensen, who was co-owner of Salinas Peninsula Motors, spoke of building go-cart engines for a 10-year-old Allmendinger. Now, Jensen attends as many Champ Car races as possible with friends and family, venturing as far as Toronto in support of the local driver. After Allmendinger won three of four starts heading into San Jose, Jensen said he has no doubt that his favorite driver will soon sit atop the Champ Car ranks.
“Honestly, every single aspect of racing, every single level, he’s always been up at the front,” Jensen said.
Dennis Rock of Anaheim even raced with Allmendinger at Monterey’s Skip Barber Racing School.
“He’s a good kid,” Rock said. “He worked his way up the hard way.”
With Allmendinger hamstrung by an early collision with eventual winner Sebastien Bourdais on Turn 1 and then forced to the rear again with a pit violation in the 53rd lap, Rock said it looked like the hometown favorite wouldn’t be on the podium in this race.
“We were sorry to see what happened in the first couple of laps,” Rock said. “He’s got to work his way all the way back to the top and I don’t think he has enough time.”
Across the Gold Grandstand, Jim Padilla took his support to another level, organizing a group of sign holders that together spelled out, “G-O A-J #7 A-L-L-M-E-N-D-I-N-G-E-R” in bright blue letters.
“To show my support and let everyone else out here know who’s the best driver, this is how I do it,” said Padilla, a South San Francisco resident.
Padilla’s wife, Joy, said Allmendinger’s engaging nature was what led the couple to travel to Champ Car’s Long Beach race the last three years.
“He’s got a great personality,” Joy Padilla said. “He’s very witty. Him and his family are just great to be around.”
Best of all, for many Allmendinger fans, was the chance to root for a local product.
“Anytime we can come out and see A.J. race, it’s a dream come true,” said Randy, who makes his home in San Jose.
Rich, a vendor at Speedgear Authentic Racewear, said people had been flocking to his stand all afternoon, largely in search of anything bearing the name or number of Allmendinger, a Leigh High School alumnus.
“The hats are flying off the shelves,” he said, “since A.J.’s from the area.”
Even after his favorite driver didn’t make it to the victory podium, Zach, a 9-year old from San Jose, said he was glad he got to see Allmendinger in person.
“I think he tried hard,” Zach said.
Just as fans, young and old, align their rooting interests with local heroes, Zach said he took particular interest in Allmendinger for one main reason.
“Because he’s from San Jose,” Zach said. “I think it’s awesome.”
