NASCAR announced 90 minutes before the race that #22-A.J. Allmendinger has failed a random drug test and has been ‘temporarily’ suspended. He was randomly selected and tested following the Kentucky race and his ‘A’ sample tested positive. He has the right to request that NASCAR test his ‘B’ sample. Should he refuse to have the ‘B’ sample tested, or if that test is positive, the suspension will become indefinite. Sam Hornish will replace him in the #22 at Daytona.(7-7-2012)
Official Announcement: Driver AJ Allmendinger has been temporarily suspended from NASCAR competition based upon notification of a positive ‘A’ test NASCAR received from the Medical Review Officer as stated in Section 19-11B (6,7) of the NASCAR Substance Abuse Policy. Pursuant to the rule book, Allmendinger has the opportunity to request within the next 72 hours that his ‘B’ sample be tested. NASCAR will follow its policies and procedures set forth in the rule book in dealing with this matter.(NASCAR)(7-7-2012)
Penske Statement: ‘NASCAR notified Penske Racing this afternoon that AJ Allmendinger was administered a drug test earlier this week, and those results tested positive. NASCAR has a strict drug testing program that Penske Racing fully supports. Penske Racing will work with NASCAR through this process and its next steps. Sam Hornish will drive the No. 22 car in (Saturday’s) Coke Zero 400.’(Penske Racing)(7-7-2012)
UPDATE: Roger Penske called A.J. Allmendinger’s failed drug test ‘a disappointment’ but said the NASCAR team will wait for a second test to be performed this week. Penske said Sunday before the Honda Indy Toronto race that Allmendinger’s ‘B’ sample would be tested Monday or Tuesday. ‘You know it’s a disappointment at this particular time, but we ‘re going to wait and see what the second test results are before we make any comment or decisions,’ Penske said. ‘I don ‘t think it’s fair to him. I think as you look at sports, things happen like this,’ he said. ‘It’s unfortunate, but I don ‘t really want to make a statement pro or con right now. I ‘m counting on another test being proper for him within 72 hours, and at that point we ‘ll make a decision.’ Penske said his team, Penske Racing, was informed that Allmendinger’s ‘A’ sample had tested positive about 4 p.m. Saturday, less than four hours before the Sprint Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway. Allmendinger has 72 hours from early Saturday afternoon for the ‘B’ sample to be tested, meaning he has to make the request by early Tuesday afternoon. After the request is made, it could take up to five days to confirm the results of the ‘A’ sample.(USA Today/Indianapolis Star)(7-8-2012)
