DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Driver AJ Allmendinger was pulled from the Coke Zero 400 and suspended temporarily by NASCAR for failing a random drug test, senior vice president for racing operations Steve O'Donnell announced about 90 minutes before Saturday's race at Daytona International Speedway began.
Allmendinger's No. 22 Dodge was taken from the starting grid. Sam Hornish Jr. will replace Allmendinger in the car for the race.
O'Donnell read a brief statement and didn't say what drug Allmendinger was flagged for taking, but that his "A" sample tested positive. O'Donnell, who took no questions, said Allmendinger will have the opportunity within 72 hours to request that his "B" sample be tested. O'Donnell referred to Section 19-11B (6,7) in NASCAR's rule book.
Allmendinger took the test last weekend at Kentucky.
Allmendinger's Penske Racing released the following statement:
"NASCAR notified Penske Racing this afternoon that AJ Allmendinger was administered a drug test earlier this week, and those results tested positive. NASCAR has a strict drug testing program that Penske Racing fully supports. Penske Racing will work with NASCAR through this process and its next steps. Sam Hornish Jr., will drive the No. 22 car in tonight's Coke Zero 400." -- David Scott
