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AJ Allmendinger's short tenure at Penske Racing has come to an end following the driver's drug test failure.
Penske Racing issued a statement which followed a meeting, this week, between the driver and team owner, Roger Penske.
"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."
As a result Sam Hornish Jr. who is driving full-time in the Nationwide series will get another shot at the Cup level in “the No. 22 Dodge at Pocono this weekend and for the foreseeable future.”
But the team would not go so far as to nominate the former IndyCar driver for the drive next hear. “Penske Racing will evaluate its options for a driver of the No. 22 car for the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup season,” it said.
In a very contrite statement Allmendinger said “I wish to thank Mr. Penske, Penske Racing, their sponsors, and especially all the of the No. 22 team for the opportunity they provided me and for their support in this difficult time. I also, again, would like to thank all the fans that really have been awesome through this.”
“I apologize for the distraction, embarrassment, and difficulties that my current suspension from NASCAR has provided. As I stated last week, I have begun NASCAR's Road to Recovery program and look forward to using those resources and its completion to compete again in NASCAR in the near future.”
Penske Racing President, Tim Cindric, tweeted “AJ fans: I respect ur passion/disappointment n decision.I also want 2 c AJ succeed.We must now put our energy twd supporting his next steps.”
Penske Racing issued a statement which followed a meeting, this week, between the driver and team owner, Roger Penske.
"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."
As a result Sam Hornish Jr. who is driving full-time in the Nationwide series will get another shot at the Cup level in “the No. 22 Dodge at Pocono this weekend and for the foreseeable future.”
But the team would not go so far as to nominate the former IndyCar driver for the drive next hear. “Penske Racing will evaluate its options for a driver of the No. 22 car for the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup season,” it said.
In a very contrite statement Allmendinger said “I wish to thank Mr. Penske, Penske Racing, their sponsors, and especially all the of the No. 22 team for the opportunity they provided me and for their support in this difficult time. I also, again, would like to thank all the fans that really have been awesome through this.”
“I apologize for the distraction, embarrassment, and difficulties that my current suspension from NASCAR has provided. As I stated last week, I have begun NASCAR's Road to Recovery program and look forward to using those resources and its completion to compete again in NASCAR in the near future.”
Penske Racing President, Tim Cindric, tweeted “AJ fans: I respect ur passion/disappointment n decision.I also want 2 c AJ succeed.We must now put our energy twd supporting his next steps.”