DID THE DINGER TEST POSITIVE???
General
Penske: A.J. Allmendinger to request 'B' sample test
3:00 PM, July 8, 2012 |
By Curt Cavin, The Indianapolis Star
TORONTO (USA TODAY) Roger Penske called A.J. Allmendinger's failed drug test "a disappointment" but said the NASCAR team will wait for a second test to be performed this week.
Penske said Sunday before the Honda Indy Toronto race that Allmendinger's "B" sample would be tested Monday or Tuesday.
"You know it's a disappointment at this particular time, but we're going to wait and see what the second test results are before we make any comment or decisions," Penske said. "I don't think it's fair to him."
Allmendinger, a former Champ Car World Series driver, is in his first season with the team after replacing Kurt Busch, who was released after a series of embarrassing incidents.
Now Penske has another driver dilemma.
"I think as you look at sports, things happen like this," he said. "It's unfortunate, but I don't really want to make a statement pro or con right now. I'm counting on another test being proper for him within 72 hours, and at that point we'll make a decision."
Penske said his team, Penske Racing, was informed that Allmendinger's "A" sample had tested positive about 4 p.m. Saturday, less than four hours before the Sprint Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway.
Allmendinger has 72 hours from early Saturday afternoon for the "B" sample to be tested, meaning he has to make the request by early Tuesday afternoon.
After the request is made, it could take up to five days to confirm the results of the "A" sample.
Once Penske learned of the failed test, the team rushed Nationwide Series driver Sam Hornish Jr. to the No. 22 Dodge. He took a 2-hour flight from Charlotte and made it into the car in time to miss only one parade lap.
Hornish, the 2006 Indianapolis 500 winner, had a tire issue in the second half of the race and finished 33rd.
Contributing: Nate Ryan in Daytona Beach, Fla
