NASCAR suspends driver A.J. Allmendinger after test result confirmation

NASCAR suspended Sprint Cup Series driver A.J. Allmendinger indefinitely Tuesday after a test of his backup urine sample confirmed the original positive result. The violation of NASCAR’s substance abuse policy puts Allmendinger’s future in NASCAR and at Penske Racing in doubt.

Allmendinger originally was suspended July 7 after failing a random drug test taken in late June. His backup “B” urine sample was tested Tuesday by Aegis Analytical Laboratories in Nashville, Tenn.

NASCAR officials announced the result and subsequent suspension Tuesday night.

Officials did not announce what substance Allmendinger tested positive for.

Allmendinger previously said he tested positive for a stimulant, but did not give specifics. He has denied knowingly taking a banned substance.

“This was not the news we wanted to hear and we will work to get to the source of what may have caused this,” said Tara Ragan, Allmendinger’s business manager, in a statement.

Allmendinger’s only avenue to return to NASCAR is to complete a “road to recovery” program.

Penske Racing said Sam Hornish Jr. will drive the No. 22 car this weekend at Indianapolis and next weekend at Pocono. Hornish has filled in for Allmendinger in the past two races.