Penske Racing drops AJ Allmendinger after positive drug test

You could see this one coming like the draft around the high banks at Talladega. Penske Racing gave beleaguered NASCAR driver AJ Allmendinger his walking papers today, a week after the sanctioning body indefinitely suspended him for failing a drug test. Allmendinger is currently ranked 25th in the points in the series.

While neither Penske nor Allmendinger got into the details about the test, ESPN is reporting that amphetamines were found in the driver's testing sample, which was corroborated by Allmendinger's business manager. The doctor administrating NASCAR's drug testing program told ESPN that it wasn't likely that the test could have been caused by any supplements or over-the-counter medicine. Allmendinger has pledged to immediately begin NASCAR's Road to Recovery rehab program, which, if successfully completed, would allow him to be reinstated. Allmendinger's seat in the No. 22 Dodge has been handed to former Indy Car champion Sam Hornish Jr., who has long ties to the Penske Racing organization.

While we won't belabor you with any of team owner Roger Penske's canned statement wishing Allmendinger "the best," you can scroll down to read it in its entirety, along with Allmendinger's own release in which he thanks Penske Racing for "their support."