CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Penske Racing has released suspended driver A.J. Allmendinger, three weeks after he tested positive for a banned stimulant.
The team made the announcement Wednesday and said Sam Hornish Jr. will drive the No. 22 Dodge at Pocono this weekend and “for the foreseeable future.”
Allmendinger was suspended indefinitely by NASCAR last week for a positive drug test in late June. Team owner Roger Penske said the decision to part with a “terrific driver” like Allmendinger was unfortunate but would have been handled the same way for any other member of the team.
Allmendinger released a statement apologizing for the distractions and thanking Penske. He has pledged to complete NASCAR’s rehabilitation program.
