AJ
Allmendinger has reportedly completed NASCAR’s Road to Recovery program, and
now waits – somewhat patiently – for NASCAR to rule on his request for reinstatement.
Allmendinger
was suspended by the sanctioning body on July 7 after failing a random
substance abuse test for what was later revealed to be Adderall. He later
admitted taking the drug after being offered an unspecified pill by a “friend
of a friend” to combat fatigue.
Now,
the former Penske Racing driver appears primed for a return. He surfaced at the
IndyCar season finale at California’s Auto Club Speedway last weekend at the
request of his former boss, Roger Penske.
While Allmendinger did not speak to reporters, Penske said his former
driver completed NASCAR’s Road to Recovery three weeks ago.
“I
wanted AJ to come out,” said Penske at the track. “I wanted him to get some
visibility because he’s a good guy.” Penske also said there could be a spot for
Allmendinger on his 2013 IndyCar roster, if sponsorship and other circumstances
come together. The team has yet to resign Ryan Briscoe for next season, as
teammate to 2012 title contender Will Power.
The
California native had a highly successful career in open wheel racing, winning five
races in 15 starts on the now-defunct CART circuit in 2006 before turning his
attention to NASCAR.
Penske
said Allmendinger “would certainly be someone we’ll think about” for a 2013
IndyCar seat, but stopped short of making a verbal commitment. He said
Allmendinger is upbeat about his chances of returning to motorsports, and
anxious to return to the cockpit of a race car as soon as possible.
There
is no word on when NASCAR will act on his request for reinstatement,
Allmendinger was unavailable for comment.
AJ has completed NASCAR's Road to Recovery program already? I thought I heard this program takes a good 5 months, not 2 months? Well I guess its in NASCAR's hands now.
ReplyDeletei guess that source aka media was wrong
ReplyDeleteKudos to Mr. Penske, a class act.
ReplyDeleteRemember its nascars sandbox, probably also depends on what the abuse was that detirmines length of program
ReplyDeletePenske is Far from a class act. He dumps Dodge, reliable, produces power, good gas millage, gave him whatever he wanted, for a couple of million bucks from Ford and turns NASCAR upside down losing a manufacturer because he didn't have the courtesy to give Dodge a heads up sooner, FIRES AJ for failing a drug test (corporate America gives second chances, apparently Mr. Class Act doesn't) and basks in the winner's circle with Brad?
ReplyDeleteHe's not a favorite in my book.
Its nice to see someone want to better their life..I hope the best foe AJ
ReplyDelete