AJ Allmendinger out at Penske
After being indefinitely suspended by NASCAR for failing a drug test, AJ Allmendinger has been released from Penske Racing.
"Penske Racing announced today that AJ Allmendinger has been released as driver of the No. 22 Dodge Charger in the NASCAR Cup Series. Allmendinger was suspended indefinitely by NASCAR last week for a positive drug test," a statement issued by the team Wednesday said.
"Penske Racing fully supports NASCAR's substance abuse policy and we are disappointed with AJ's positive drug test results,"Roger Penske said in the statement. "AJ is a terrific driver, a good person and it is very unfortunate that we have to separate at this time. We have invested greatly in AJ and we were confident in his success with our team. The decision to dismiss him is consistent with how we would treat any other Penske Racing team member under similar circumstances. As AJ begins NASCAR's 'Road to Recovery' program, we wish him the best and look forward to seeing him compete again in NASCAR."
The release said that Sam Hornish Jr. would continue to drive the No. 22 for "the foreseeable future" and that the team will evaluate its options for the driver of the car for 2013.
Allmendinger tested positive after the Kentucky race on June 30 and was temporarily suspended before the Daytona race. On July 24, the 'B' sample confirmed the 'A' sample results and Allmendinger was then indefinitely suspended from NASCAR.
