NASCAR has announced A.J. Allmendinger of Penske Racing has been temporarily suspended from competition after failing a random drug test, in what was ruled a “positive A test.”
NASCAR senior vp Steve O'Donnell made the announcement in Daytona's media center. Pursuant to the NASCAR rulebook, Allmendinger's B sample can be submitted for a retest within 72 hours. O'Donnell said NASCAR will further deal with the manner and not accept further questions to allow the due process to take course.
Sam Hornish Jr. was reported by multiple outlets to be called back from a flight to Charlotte as a replacement driver for tonight's Coke Zero 400. Penske Racing confirmed reports in a statement:
"NASCAR notified Penske Racing this afternoon that AJ Allmendinger was administered a drug test earlier this week, and those results tested positive. NASCAR has a strict drug testing program that Penske Racing fully supports. Penske Racing will work with NASCAR through this process and its next steps. Sam Hornish Jr., will drive the No. 22 car in tonight's Coke Zero 400."