Some of the mystery around the suspension of NASCAR Sprint Cup driver, AJ Allmendinger has cleared up according to a statement by a representative.
Last Saturday evening the driver was suspended for failing a random drug test, but, NASCAR officials declined to name what was discovered citing privacy.
In this case the driver, himself, through a statement attributed to Tara Ragan, vice-president of Walldinger Racing, disclosed what the tests found – a stimulant - but he didn’t state the particular substance and denied that he used any proscribed substances.
Here is what the statement said:
“In an effort to help our colleagues in the media report on this in a timely and accurate manner, we wanted to provide some additional details regarding AJ’s sample “A” test results. AJ tested positive for a stimulant. He has no idea why the first test was positive, and he has never knowingly taken any prohibited substance.”
Under NASCAR rules the sample is divided into two parts. If the “A” sample is positive the NASCAR-licensed person can request the other part i.e. the “B” sample.
As Ms. Ragan’s statement continued “AJ is collecting his medicines and supplements for testing to determine whether an over the counter product caused his positive test. AJ and all of us at Walldinger Racing respect NASCAR's testing program, and he has requested that his "B" sample be tested as part of the process of getting to the bottom of this.
We will have the opportunity to review all of the scientific data surrounding the test following the "B" sample test, but our understanding is that AJ's test was slightly above the threshold.
As of this morning (Wednesday) , we have not been given notice of when the testing of the “B” sample will take place. Thanks again for all of the support of our fans, team, and sponsors as we continue working through the process.”
In the meantime Sam Hornish Jr. who drove the Penske Racing No. 22 Dodge in Saturday night’s Coke Zero 400 will drive at New Hampshire Motor Speedway’s Lenox 301 on Sunday.
Roger Penske said on satellite radio that he will not take any final action until the process outlined in NASCAR rules has completed.
Last Saturday evening the driver was suspended for failing a random drug test, but, NASCAR officials declined to name what was discovered citing privacy.
In this case the driver, himself, through a statement attributed to Tara Ragan, vice-president of Walldinger Racing, disclosed what the tests found – a stimulant - but he didn’t state the particular substance and denied that he used any proscribed substances.
Here is what the statement said:
“In an effort to help our colleagues in the media report on this in a timely and accurate manner, we wanted to provide some additional details regarding AJ’s sample “A” test results. AJ tested positive for a stimulant. He has no idea why the first test was positive, and he has never knowingly taken any prohibited substance.”
Under NASCAR rules the sample is divided into two parts. If the “A” sample is positive the NASCAR-licensed person can request the other part i.e. the “B” sample.
As Ms. Ragan’s statement continued “AJ is collecting his medicines and supplements for testing to determine whether an over the counter product caused his positive test. AJ and all of us at Walldinger Racing respect NASCAR's testing program, and he has requested that his "B" sample be tested as part of the process of getting to the bottom of this.
We will have the opportunity to review all of the scientific data surrounding the test following the "B" sample test, but our understanding is that AJ's test was slightly above the threshold.
As of this morning (Wednesday) , we have not been given notice of when the testing of the “B” sample will take place. Thanks again for all of the support of our fans, team, and sponsors as we continue working through the process.”
In the meantime Sam Hornish Jr. who drove the Penske Racing No. 22 Dodge in Saturday night’s Coke Zero 400 will drive at New Hampshire Motor Speedway’s Lenox 301 on Sunday.
Roger Penske said on satellite radio that he will not take any final action until the process outlined in NASCAR rules has completed.