WATKINS GLEN, N. Y. — AJ Allmendinger was sought after among the media at Watkins Glen International on Friday. What's more, the track's 2014 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race victor was completely prepared to oblige the meetings — anxious to discuss his odds to get his No. 47 Kroger's Chevrolet in Victory Lane and into the playoffs. 

All things considered, simply lifting a trophy again at this notable and picturesque 2.45-mile track among the New York slopes would feel terribly useful for Allmendinger, who is as of now 27th in the Cup standings. 

Each time he results in these present circumstances setting, Allmendinger, 35, is a top pick. Furthermore, he's earned the assignment. 

"It has such incredible recollections for me and each time I drive in through the passage those recollections return up a tiny bit," Allmendinger said. "There's a considerable measure of weight on the end of the week from the outside world, there's a great deal of weight on myself. 

"I make an effort not to get excessively energized for it," he said permitting a grin. "I'm endeavoring to figure out how to keep those feelings somewhat more even-keeled. I do know whether we go out there and I'm getting it done and the group is taking care of business together we have a chance to win this race and that is whatever you can request." 

The previous open-wheel star-turned NASCAR fan most loved has five best 10 completes in eight begins at The Glen. He won in 2014 and completed fourth a year ago. 

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His capacity to sparkle on a street course has not just made him an enduring most loved at NASCAR's two street course appears (additionally Sonoma) yet it's made him a well known person in the carport. His rivals make a trip to talk and, typically, to get his thought on the most ideal approach to deal with a corner or set up an auto. 

"I haven't had Martin Truex and Kyle Busch come and solicit me a considerable measure from questions, they're really great around here," Allmendinger said with a snicker. "There's little traps you'll generally mind your own business yet there's folks like Jeff Gordon, Mark Martin, Jimmie Johnson and Tony Stewart who, when I had questions, they'd answer me straight up regardless of what sort of race track I was on. 

"That implied a great deal to me and I'm a similar path with different drivers that make inquiries, particularly out and about courses. 

"You must put stock in yourself, not feel like you need to shroud something. I have confidence in myself that when I'm taking care of business, when we're taking care of business, we have the chance to overwhelm, to win the race." 

RELATED: Winless drivers in 2017 who could win at Watkins Glen 

Allmendinger recognized Sunday's "I Love New York 355 at The Glen" (3 p.m. ET, NBCSN, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) may feel not the same as past years. Meeting all requirements for the Cup race is just three hours before the green banner. There are two short practices Saturday. 

"I truly like the two-day plan … yet it makes practice and dumping your race auto with a decent set-up immediately quite a lot more essential," Allmendinger said. "With just two short practices, on the off chance that you empty better it truly isolates the great autos from the awful autos. Qualifying? I like it, particularly in the event that you have a decent qualifying. 

"In any case, I want to make passes, regardless of where." 

It's a cool certainty and confidence he should have. His story line and opportunity at Watkins Glen make him a trophy thought each time NASCAR lands at the unbelievable track. 

"I don't know whether it'll be the snappiest auto yet … I do realize that regardless, in the event that we put our best exertion forward we can be inside the best five and that is whatever you can request is to be in the main five late in this race," Allmendinger said. 

"Anything can happen. We've seen that in last couple years. You simply need to place yourself in that position. I put stock in my group and I have confidence in myself. Simply the exertion my folks have put in, that [team owners] Tad and Jodi [Geschickter] accomplish for us and Kroger. It's moving. I need to put it on my shoulders and convey Kroger and all my folks into triumph path."