SHELL AND PENNZOIL STATEMENT:

Shell and Pennzoil believe that the process and procedures that NASCAR has in place as part of their substance abuse policy are appropriate and serve to ensure that the sport and its participants are held to the highest standards.

We share Penske Racing’s disappointment with the result of AJ’s (Allmendinger) B sample test and will work closely with them to determine plans moving forward. We hope for the best for AJ during this difficult time.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 24, 2012) – AJ Allmendinger, driver of the No. 22 car in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, has been suspended indefinitely from NASCAR for violating the sanctioning body’s substance abuse policy.

On July 24, Allmendinger was found to have violated Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 19 (NASCAR’s substance abuse policy) of the 2012 NASCAR rule book.

As outlined in the rule book, NASCAR next will provide Allmendinger a letter outlining a process for reinstatement. By agreeing to the letter, he will be allowed to participate in the Road to Recovery Program.

Penske Racing Statement on No. 22 Car at New Hampshire

“Penske Racing is continuing to work with NASCAR to follow its process and procedures related to the positive drug test that AJ Allmendinger was notified of this past weekend. While this process continues, Sam Hornish Jr. will drive the No. 22 car in this week’s Sprint Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.”

Penske Racing Statement
July 7, 2012

“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.”
Penske Racing

We had an exclusive one-on-one interview with AJ Allmendinger on this weeks The Final Lap Weekly. Have a listen.

THE FINAL LAP WEEKLY – DAYTONA PREVIEW FEATURING AJ Allmendinger

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 7, 2012) – Driver AJ Allmendinger has been temporarily suspended from NASCAR competition based upon notification of a positive “A” test NASCAR received from the Medical Review Officer as stated in Section 19-11B (6,7) of the NASCAR Substance Abuse Policy. Pursuant to the rule book, Allmendinger has the opportunity to request within the next 72 hours that his “B” sample be tested.

NASCAR will follow its policies and procedures set forth in the rule book in dealing with this matter.

AUDIO: NASCAR Senior Vice President of Racing Operations Steve O’Donnell

NOTE: Penske Racing is flying Sam Hornish Jr. from Charlotte to Daytona Beach in hopes of getting him in the #22 car.