AJ Allmendingers career is coming full circle albeit making left and right turns. Allmendinger, 31, will test an IndyCar for Penske Racing at Sebring International Raceway on Feb. 18 and 19. If the test is successful, Allmendinger will make his open-wheel debut for Penske Racing at Barber Motorsports Park on April 7. If everything goes according to plan and sponsorship can be acquired, Allmendinger will also run at Long Beach in preparation for the Indianapolis 500. ‘The first test is just to see how things go at Sebring’ Allmendinger said late Wednesday by phone. ‘Its been seven years since Ive been in one of those cars and theyve changed quite a bit. I know it wont be easy. But I know Ill be in the best possible equipment and Ill have Will Power there one of the fastest guys in the sport to help me get up to speed. Im really looking forward to it. At least Sebring is a track I know. There are so many great things about getting back in a car for Roger. I cant begin to explain what it means that he believes in me enough to give me another chance. Theres no pressure with this test, but Ill put the pressure on myself.” Allmendinger has learned to cope with pressure over the past year. After working his way into the ride of a lifetime with Penske Racings Sprint Cup team, Allmendinger failed a drug test administered at Kentucky Speedway on June 29 and was suspended from competition at Daytona International Speedway on July 7. Upon completing NASCARs Road to Recovery, Allmendinger was reinstated Sept. 18, but Penske Racing released him from the No. 22 team Aug. 1. Still, Penske never gave up on his driver. Not only did Allmendinger remain on the payroll for the remainder of the year, but Penske also called him on a weekly basis.( Fox Sports )
