After a month of troubles for A.J Allmendinger and Penske Racing, Penske announced today that they have officially released Allmendinger. After Allmendinger failed a random NASCAR drug test, he was officially suspended from NASCAR indefinitely and now he is no longer with the Penske organization. Allmendinger agreed to take part in NASCAR’s “Road to Recovery” program and won’t get reinstated in NASCAR until he finishes the program which could take months or even years.
Statement from A.J Allmendinger
“I apologize for the distraction, embitterment, and difficulties that my current suspension from NASCAR has provided.”
Statement from Penske Racing
“The decision to dismiss him is consistent with how we would treat any other Penske Racing team member under similar circumstances.”
Penske Racing Nationwide Series driver Sam Hornish Jr will continue to pilot the No.22 Shell/Pennzoil car throughout the next few races. Hornish Jr likely will drive that car for the remainder of the season and next year Penske will hire a free agent to drive the car. Names for next season’s ride could include Ryan Newman, Brian Vickers or even Joey Logano.
