A.J. Allmendinger fails drug test, out of Daytona race
Saturday, Jul. 07, 2012
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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. Driver AJ Allmendinger was pulled from the Coke Zero 400 for failing a random drug test, NASCAR senior vice president for competition Steve O'Donnell announced about 90 minutes before Saturday's race at Daytona International Speedway began.
Allmendinger's No. 22 Dodge was taken from the starting grid. Sam Hornish Jr. replaced Allmendinger in the car for the race.
The test was conducted last week during the Kentucky race weekend. O'Donnell read a brief statement, but didn't say what drug Allmendinger was flagged for taking. He did say that his "A" sample tested positive. O'Donnell, who took no questions, said Allmendinger will have the opportunity within 72 hours to request that his "B" sample be tested.
Allmendinger, who drives for Penske Racing, has been temporarily suspended.
A statement released by Penske said: "NASCAR notified Penske Racing this afternoon that AJ Allmendinger was administered a drug test earlier this week, and those results tested positive. NASCAR has a strict drug testing program that Penske Racing fully supports. Penske Racing will work with NASCAR through this process and its next steps. Sam Hornish Jr., will drive the No. 22 car in tonight's Coke Zero 400."
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