NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series driver Austin Wayne Self was suspended indefinitely Monday (April 1) for violating the sport’s substance abuse policy.
Self, who pilots his family-owned No. 22 truck full-time in the Truck Series, was suddenly removed from the seat before Martinsville Speedway. Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace drove for AM Racing the last two weeks at Martinsville and Texas Motor Speedway.
In 66 career NGOTS starts, Self has five top 10s and a career best finish of second at Daytona International Speedway two years ago. Thus far in 2019, he sits 18th in points with a lone top-10 finish (ninth) in Daytona’s season opener.
Self must now complete NASCAR’s Road to Recovery program for reinstatement. The drug the 23-year-old tested positive for has not been released.
The family-owned team is expressing their support of Self during this difficult time.
“AM Racing respects NASCAR’s decision and will follow their direction,” the team said in a statement. “We expect Austin Wayne Self to return to the seat as quickly as possible. AM Racing will continue to operate as normal with a determination of a driver lineup set in the coming weeks.”
Self violated sections 12.1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 19 (substance abuse) of the NASCAR Rule Book.
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What?!? He’s just following the example set by none other than the illustrious Brian Z. France himself!
There needs to be more transparency on the substance abuse policy. If its pot, meth or coke just say it. Taking an IV before the race is performance enhancing. How come some championship drivers can take pain meds for their sore back, JG. This is another two-tiered justice system.
They. Can’t stop changing the rules every weekend
Google AWS and you will find a history of underage drinking, assault on a female and drugs. How many chances does he get? Oh, as many as his rich Daddy will give him to drive the family truck.