AJ Allmendinger’s business manager says that the Penske Racing driver remains shell-shocked over the weekend’s news that he had failed a random drug test.
Sam Hornish had to be drafted into the #22 Dodge for the Daytona 400 after NASCAR revealed that Allmendinger’s sample from the previous event in Kentucky had tested positive for a banned substance.
Allmendinger remains temporarily suspended from competition, and has yet to comment on the situation.
Allmendinger’s business manager Tara Ragan says that the news was a shock to all involved, but was unwilling to confirm whether her driver will request that a second sample (taken at the same time as the first) be tested for confirmation.
“It was shocking to us,” Ragan told Sporting News of the initial finding.
“We’re all a little bit shell-shocked and getting our heads around what happened.
“We are working closely with the folks from Penske to work through the procedure with NASCAR.”
Penske Racing meanwhile has issued a statement confirming that Hornish will continue in the #22 Dodge this weekend at Loudon.
“Penske Racing is continuing to work with NASCAR to follow its process and procedures related to the positive drug test that AJ Allmendinger was notified of this past weekend,” read the team statement.
“While this process continues, Sam Hornish Jr will drive the #22 car in this week’s Sprint Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.”
Hornish finished 33rd at Daytona after losing ground with a puncture-induced spin.
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