Allmendinger Released by Penske Racing

The press release from AJ says it all...

All about image for Penske:)

Here's what Roger had to say.. From CBS Sports..

"Penske Racing fully supports NASCAR's substance abuse policy and we are disappointed with A.J.'s positive drug test results," said Roger Penske. "A.J. is a terrific driver, a good person and it is very unfortunate that we have to separate at this time. We have invested greatly in A.J. and we were confident in his success with our team. The decision to dismiss him is consistent with how we would treat any other Penske Racing team member under similar circumstances. As A.J. begins NASCAR's 'Road to Recovery' program, we wish him the best and look forward to seeing him compete again in NASCAR."

Sam Hornish Jr. will drive the No. 22 Dodge at Pocono this weekend and for the foreseeable future.

Penske Racing will evaluate its options for a driver of the No. 22 car for the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup season.

I gotta say, I really thought Penske might consider working with Dinger, and a possible future..........I am disappointed.....

I figured that was going to happen

sangria wrote:I gotta say, I really thought Penske might consider working with Dinger, and a possible future..........I am disappointed.....

San, he (Penske) was basically forced into the decision by several factors. He's had past precedence in the past of firing anyone in a similar capacity, or even less capacity, for failing drug tests. Also, AJ was hired under a one year, performance driven contract, and the performance really wasn't there - and the year would be up, or close to being up by the time AJ would be able to finish the Road to Recovery Program. And, then there is the sponsorship issue - a major sponsor like Pennzoil/Shell doesn't want a tainted driver.

I hope AJ can bounce back after he finishes Nascar's requirements. But, having said that, there are a lot of talented young drivers out there that would give an arm and a leg to have an opportunity with a top rated team and sponsorship. Maybe even AJ could make it in broadcasting, cause he's got a great personality!

Thanks for the blog Sea. Any idea who'll be taking AJ's spot while he's out? Hope he can get clean soon and back to racing.

StAugustineFL wrote:Thanks for the blog Sea. Any idea who'll be taking AJ's spot while he's out? Hope he can get clean soon and back to racing.

Right now, Penske is saying Sam Hornish basically has the ride for the rest of this year. They have left it open to speculation as to who will drive in 2013. I think it's pretty much Sam's ride to lose; if he performs well, we'll see him in the 22 next year as well. If he doesn't, well there's a ton of talent out there just waiting in the wings.

Heard some folks saying something about maybe Joey. Not sure how his contract is written. But if Matt takes his ride that would leave him wide open.

GrillinInTheEye wrote:Heard some folks saying something about maybe Joey. Not sure how his contract is written. But if Matt takes his ride that would leave him wide open.

Have heard the same thing. That would explain why the HUGE delay in announcing Matt is going to JGR and drive the twenty car. Gibbs is looking for sponsorship for Joey, and can't find it.