Penske Racing releases Allmendinger three weeks after positive drug test
A.J. Allmendinger’s failed drug test has cost him his job at Penske Racing.
Team owner Roger Penske released Allmendinger on Wednesday, three weeks after he tested positive for a banned amphetamine. Team officials said they were disappointed with the test results that left them with no choice.
“A.J. is a terrific driver, a good person and it is very unfortunate that we have to separate at this time,” team owner Roger Penske said. “We have invested greatly in A.J. and we were confident in his success with our team. The decision to dismiss him is consistent with how we would treat any other Penske Racing team member under similar circumstances. As a.j. begins nascar’s ‘road to Recovery’ program, we wish him the best and look forward to seeing him compete again in NASCAR.”
Sam Hornish Jr. will drive the No. 22 Dodge at Pocono this weekend and “for the foreseeable future,” the team said. Options for the 2013 season will be evaluated.
Allmendinger, who was suspended indefinitely by NASCAR last week for the positive test in late June, apologized and thanked Penske for the support during a “difficult time” the past few weeks.
“I apologize for the distraction, embarrassment and difficulties that my current suspension from NASCAR has provided,” he said.
Allmendinger can only return to the series if he completes NASCAR’s rehabilitation program, which he pledged to do, so he can compete “in the near future.”
Allmendinger was suspended July 7, just hours before the race at Daytona and forcing Penske to bring in Hornish at the last moment. His backup urine sample, tested last week, confirmed the initial positive test.
Allmendinger has said he did not knowingly take a banned substance and will try to determine what caused the positive test.