Charlotte, NC (Sports Network) - Sprint Cup Series driver A.J. Allmendinger
was suspended indefinitely after his "B" sample urine test came up positive,
in violation of NASCAR's substance abuse policy.
Allmendinger, 30, had been suspended temporarily earlier this month for
failing his initial drug test that he took the last weekend in June when the
series competed at Kentucky Speedway.
NASCAR didn't disclose what Allmendinger tested positive for.
He is in his first year as driver of the No. 22 Dodge for Penske Racing. He
replaced Kurt Busch in the car after Busch was dismissed from the team
following the 2012 Sprint Cup season.
Sam Hornish Jr., who drives full-time for Penske in the Nationwide Series, was
called upon to substitute for Allmendinger in the No. 22 at Daytona earlier
this month, arriving at the racetrack moments before the start of the
event. Hornish also drove the car July 15 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
"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,"
Penske racing said in a statement. "Sam Hornish Jr., will drive the No. 22
Dodge Charger this weekend at Indianapolis and next weekend at Pocono."
Because Allmendinger's "B" sample came back positive, he will have to
successfully complete a drug treatment program before he can be reinstated.
Allmendinger is the second Sprint Cup driver to be suspended since NASCAR
revised its drug policy prior to the start of the 2009 season.
Jeremy Mayfield failed a drug test in May '09 and has not competed in a NASCAR
event since then. Mayfield had continuously lost his legal battle with NASCAR
in court.
The Sports Network