Now that Sprint Cup Series driver A.J. Allmendinger has been indefinitely suspended for failing a random drug test, what happens next?
Well, it's really up to the driver.
NASCAR spokesman David Higdon explains the next steps:
"Under section 19-11F in our rule book, NASCAR facilitates assistance for anyone
testing positive under our substance abuse program. When a license is suspended,
NASCAR sends a letter for reinstatement. By agreeing to the terms of the
letter, the member is allowed to
participate in the Road to Recovery Program," he said.
"The Program Administrator will work with the
suspended member to arrange evaluation by a substance abuse
professional. This evaluation
helps the PA create a road
map leading to a return to competition. This plan
may include everything from counseling to in‐house treatment and
rehabilitation. Additional testing is also required, and the Program
Administrator will decide how often
the member will be tested,
for what and under what conditions.
"Once
the member successfully completes the plan, the PA will send a letter to
NASCAR recommending reinstatement."
One caveat. Allmendinger can be reinstated but there is no guarantee he can return to the ride he left, driving the No. 22 Dodge for Penske Racing. That would be up to the team.
I hope it was an isolated incident and that AJ doesn't have a serious problem. I also hope he follows NASCAR's prescribed path back to eligibility, rather than pull a Mayfield and descend into a life of crime.
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