AJ Allmendinger fails drug test, replaced by Hornish

AJ Allmendinger, driver of the #22 Shell/Pennzoil Dodge, stands in the garage during practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coke Zero 400 Powered by Coca-Cola at Daytona International Speedway on July 5, 2012 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (July 4, 2012 - Source: Jerry Markland/Getty Images North America)
AJ Allmendinger, driver of the #22 Shell/Pennzoil Dodge, stands in the garage during practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coke Zero 400 Powered by Coca-Cola at Daytona International Speedway on July 5, 2012 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (July 4, 2012 - Source: Jerry Markland/Getty Images North America)

NASCAR driver AJ Allmendinger of Penske Racing has failed a random drug test. The driver of the #22 car will be replaced by Sam Hornish for tonight’s Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway.

Allmendinger is in the middle of a one year deal with Penske Racing and his future was already uncertain. This may end it. The 30 year old driver had run in 17 races this year in a Penske Dodge with a best finish of 9th at Sonoma and Kentucky. He is currently 23rd in the driver standings.

Hornish is running the full Nationwide schedule in the #12 for Penske. He is currently 4th overall in the Nationwide Standings.

It is currently unclear what Allmendinger was tested for. The failed test was taken during the Kentucky race weekend.

An official announcement is forthcoming.

UPDATE

Former teammate Scott Speed had the following to say on twitter:

Scott Speed @scottspeed I am calling BS.. No way he does drugs! Dont make sence

Current Penske Teammate Brad Keselowski does not wish to talk right now about the issue

Brad Keselowski @keselowski Note- No comments on 22 car tonight as we focus on tonight’s race. Thank u in advance.

John Bman
John Bmanhttp://www.tireball.com
Founder and Owner of Tireball Sports.

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