AJ Allmendinger will drive the No. 51 Phoenix Racing Chevrolet this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway, replacing Regan Smith, who will drive the #88 AMP/National Guard Chevy for Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Earnhardt announced today that he will be sidelined for the next two races after suffering a concussion in a final-lap crash at Talladega Superspeedway.
‘I hadn ‘t even planned on going to the track this weekend,’ said Allmendinger today. ‘I went to the gym this morning, without my phone. When I got back at 9:00, it was blown up with calls and text messages. I got a voice mail from (Phoenix Racing general manager) Steve Barkdoll saying, `Can you get to the track as soon as possible? We kinda need a driver.” For Allmendinger, Saturday night’s race will mark his first Sprint Cup Series start since being suspended by NASCAR on July 7 after failing a random substance abuse test. ‘This is obviously not the way I wanted this to happen,’ said Allmendinger. ‘I don ‘t ever want to see anyone get hurt, much less a guy like Dale who’s in the running for the championship. I don ‘t have details on what will happen going forward, I ‘m just driving to the track to get fitted into a race car. I ‘m sure it’s going to be a little hectic today, trying to get comfortable in the car after not driving anything for so long, but I ‘m appreciative for the opportunity. I ‘m happy to have a ride for the weekend, and I ‘m going to do my best to get a good finish Saturday night for James Finch and Phoenix Racing.’(Godfather Motorsports)(10-11-2012)
