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A.J. Allmendinger's NASCAR redemption has come to full completion with the announcement that he will be driving the No. 47 for JTG Daugherty Racing in 2014.
The 31-year old failed a NASCAR random drug test last year, when he drove in Sprint Cup for Penske Racing, but completed a required treatment program.
Roger Penske showed his loyalty and confidence putting Allmendinger in an IndyCar and competing in the Indy 500 this year where led 23 laps and finished seventh — a performance he calls "probably the biggest moment of my career."
Allmendinger went on to win the Nationwide Series races at Elkhart Lake and Mid-Ohio for Penske while competing in 12 Sprint Cup races for Phoenix Racing and JTG Daugherty. His new team previously signed him to do a total of six races alternating with their current driver, Bobby Labonte. Now he will replace Labonte for next year.
"For me, it is an amazing opportunity," Allmendinger said.
"I looked at this year as a new beginning for me. I have worked hard and feel fortunate about every opportunity this season and I am very grateful. It has been nice to have the chance to really get to know the JTG Daugherty Racing team and the owners Brad (Daugherty), Jodi and Tad (Geschickter). This is the start of something full-time and I look forward to the next full blown chapter of my career with JTG Daugherty Racing."
The team did not announce its' manufacturer affiliation for 2014.
The 31-year old failed a NASCAR random drug test last year, when he drove in Sprint Cup for Penske Racing, but completed a required treatment program.
Roger Penske showed his loyalty and confidence putting Allmendinger in an IndyCar and competing in the Indy 500 this year where led 23 laps and finished seventh — a performance he calls "probably the biggest moment of my career."
Allmendinger went on to win the Nationwide Series races at Elkhart Lake and Mid-Ohio for Penske while competing in 12 Sprint Cup races for Phoenix Racing and JTG Daugherty. His new team previously signed him to do a total of six races alternating with their current driver, Bobby Labonte. Now he will replace Labonte for next year.
"For me, it is an amazing opportunity," Allmendinger said.
"I looked at this year as a new beginning for me. I have worked hard and feel fortunate about every opportunity this season and I am very grateful. It has been nice to have the chance to really get to know the JTG Daugherty Racing team and the owners Brad (Daugherty), Jodi and Tad (Geschickter). This is the start of something full-time and I look forward to the next full blown chapter of my career with JTG Daugherty Racing."
The team did not announce its' manufacturer affiliation for 2014.