Penske NASCAR driver AJ Allmendinger has been temporarily suspended from NASCAR competition after testing positive to drugs in a random test.
Allmendinger underwent a random drug test administered last weekend at Kentucky Speedway. His ‘A’ sample from that test came up positive according to NASCAR’s senior vice president for racing operations Steve O’Donnell.
Allmendinger will be replaced by Sam Hornish Jr in today’s Coke Zero 400 at Daytona.
Allmendinger has 72 hours to request a test of his ‘B’ sample, per the NASCAR rule book. If he declines that test, or if that test also comes up positive, his suspension will become indefinite.
The Penske team said NASCAR notified it of Allmendinger’s suspension on Saturday afternoon.
“NASCAR has a strict drug testing program that Penske Racing fully supports,” the team said in a statement.
“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.”
Allmendinger currently sits 23rd in the Sprint Cup standings, having taken one pole, one top five and three top 10 finishes.
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