NASCAR driver A.J. Allmendinger responded on Tuesday to a failed drug test that prevented him from racing in the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona last Saturday.
“I fully respect NASCAR’s drug usage policy and the reasons they have it. I am hoping this can get resolved as quickly as possible so that I can get back to driving the No. 22 Penske Racing Dodge,” Allmendinger’s statement says. “I am sorry that this has caused such a distraction for my Penske Racing team, our sponsors and fans. Obviously I would never do anything to jeopardize my opportunity here at Penske Racing or to my fellow drivers. I am very conscious about my training and health and would never knowingly take a prohibited drug.”
The Penske Racing driver failed a random test administered on June 29 at Kentucky Speedway and was notified about the development hours before last Saturday’s race. Drivers provide two tests and Allmendinger is asking for his “B” sample to be tested. If it comes back negative, his suspension could be lifted. That’s about the only way I’d lay off of him because his response doesn’t make a ton of sense.
How does one not “knowingly” take a prohibited drug? Did someone open up his mouth and stuff marijuana inside? Did they drop some cocaine down his nostrils? Maybe he should just read the LBS guide to denying drug usage to find his excuse. I recommend the Richard Gasquet approach.
