STATEMENT FROM PENSKE RACING:
Penske Racing announced today that AJ Allmendinger has been released as driver of the No. 22 Dodge Charger in the NASCAR Cup Series. Allmendinger was suspended indefinitely by NASCAR last week for a positive drug test.
“Penske Racing fully supports NASCAR’s substance abuse policy and we are disappointed with AJ’s positive drug test results,” said Roger Penske. “AJ is a terrific driver, a good person and it is very unfortunate that we have to separate at this time. We have invested greatly in AJ and we were confident in his success with our team. The decision to dismiss him is consistent with how we would treat any other Penske Racing team member under similar circumstances. As AJ begins NASCAR’s ‘Road to Recovery’ program, we wish him the best and look forward to seeing him compete again in NASCAR.”
Sam Hornish Jr., will drive the No. 22 Dodge at Pocono this weekend and for the foreseeable future.
Penske Racing will evaluate its options for a driver of the No. 22 car for the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup season.
Shell statement on release of driver A.J. Allmendinger
Shell and Pennzoil fully support NASCAR’s substance abuse policy and Penske Racing’s decision to release A.J. Allmendinger as driver of the No. 22 Dodge Charger following his indefinite suspension by NASCAR.
We wish A.J. the best as he participates in NASCAR’s Road to Recovery program.
OTHER RELATED ARTICLES ON A.J. ALLMENDINGER
A.J. Allmendinger charged with DUI – 2009
DUI Doesn’t sideline A.J. Allmendinger – 10/2009
Really the boss in the office would be released if he tested positive? I do not blame Penske Racing for this decision but please don’t make it seem like he was treated like the guy in the office would be. Just call it like it is
And trust me, if Brad K. would have tested positive they would have “worked through this together” as a team. It’s just like the NFL, if a rookie or non starter does something stupid off the field (DUI, arrest for something else) then 9 times out of 10 they get cut because the team doesn’t want the bad image and holds high standards…until a “star player” does it and they get a slap on the wrist.
A.J.’s 2009 arrest for DUI might have stuck in Penske’s mind in making a decision. He has a major sponsor he has to take care of.