Race Weekend Central

Allmendinger Fails “B” Sample Drug Test

NASCAR has announced that AJ Allmendinger’s “B” sample that was tested earlier today has come back as positive. As a result, his temporary suspension has been upgraded to indefinite. NASCAR explained Allmendinger’s next step in a statement released late Tuesday evening.

“On July 24, Allmendinger was found to have violated Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 19 (NASCAR’s substance abuse policy) of the 2012 NASCAR rule book.

“As outlined in the rule book, NASCAR next will provide Allmendinger a letter outlining a process for reinstatement. By agreeing to the letter, he will be allowed to participate in the Road to Recovery Program.”

Not long after NASCAR’s announcement, Waldinger Racing representative Tara Ragan released a statement on Allmendinger’s behalf.

“This was not the news we wanted to hear and we will work to get to the source of what may have caused this. To that end, we have secured the services of an independent lab to conduct thorough testing on every product within AJ’s home and motor coach to find what might collaborate with his test, which created results that were within nanograms of accepted standards.

“We are working closely with NASCAR and Penske Racing to identify the next action steps in this process. We continue to be extremely grateful by the breadth and scope of support for AJ from his fans and partners. We would like to again thank NASCAR, Penske Racing and all our sponsor partners for the open communication, and for helping us at every step in this process. We expect to have further updates in the upcoming days.”

Allmendinger was placed on a temporary suspension just hours before the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway when the results from a random test taken at Kentucky Speedway came back with a positive result. Penske Racing flew Sam Hornish, Jr. in to fill the open No. 22 Dodge seat, spot he maintained at New Hampshire Motor Speedway the following weekend.

Penske Racing also released a statement on their “website”:http://www.penskeracing.com regarding the result.

“In accordance with NASCAR’s Substance Abuse Policy, Penske Racing was notified today of AJ Allmendinger’s positive B sample test. We respect NASCAR’s policy and the process they have taken with this matter. Penske Racing is very disappointed with the result of the B sample test and will evaluate its course of action as it pertains to AJ over the coming week.”

Sam Hornish, Jr. is set to pilot the No. 22 Dodge at Indianapolis this weekend and Pocono next weekend.

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