NASCAR reinstates suspended driver AJ Allmendinger

NASCAR reinstates suspended driver AJ Allmendinger

Sept. 18, 2012

By Reid Spencer

NASCAR Wire Service

NASCAR has reinstated driver AJ Allmendinger after successful completion of the sanctioning body's Substance Abuse Policy Road to Recovery program, NASCAR announced Tuesday.

Allmendinger was suspended indefinitely from NASCAR competition after failing a drug test administered June 29 at Kentucky Speedway.

Allmendinger was suspended temporarily July 7 when the "A" sample of his urine specimen tested positive for what his representatives subsequently said was amphetamine. The suspension became indefinite on July 24, after Allmendinger's "B" sample confirmed the positive test.

Allmendinger then opted to enter the Road to Recovery program, which features individual guidelines for NASCAR members developed on a case-by-case basis.

Though Allmendinger lost his Sprint Cup Series ride in the No. 22 Penske Racing Dodge as a result of the failed drug test, he attended Saturday's IndyCar season finale at Fontana, Calif., as the guest of team owner Roger Penske.

After commuting to Chicagoland Speedway for Sunday's opening race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup, Penske said he would consider re-hiring Allmendinger for one of his open-wheel seats. Allmendinger came to NASCAR racing from a successful background in Champ Cars.

Part of Michael Shank's winning Daytona Prototype team in the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona this past January, Allmendinger now is eligible to defend that title in the NASCAR-owned Grand-Am Series. Shank has said he would welcome Allmendinger's return to the car.