Suspended NASCAR driver AJ Allmendinger plans to go through the sanctioning body's rehabilitation program in an effort to return to the sport, his business manager, Tara Ragan, said Wednesday.
Ragan discussed with FOXSports.com the plans for Allmendinger, who was suspended indefinitely after a second failed drug test Tuesday.
FOXSports.com: If the results for the second test have come back positive, why not release what substance AJ ingested?
Ragan: Because (the lab has) not offered an explanation, because we don’t know what it is. . . . We’re still waiting for a more detailed report. The initial results ruled out anything illegal — as in methamphetamines, cocaine, Ecstasy or marijuana. The test also precluded alcohol.
FOXSports.com: Some would say that AJ agreeing to NASCAR’s “Road to Recovery” might appear to be an admission of guilt. So why did he agree to the program?
Ragan: While we are waiting for the results, it’s in the best interest of time to get AJ back behind the wheel as quickly as possible, so why wouldn’t we if the goal is to get him back in the car? We don’t want to waste any more days going forward because he wants to get back in the No. 22 and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen. And we’re going to exhaust every opportunity that NASCAR is giving us to make that happen.
FOXSports.com: Have they outlined the “Road to Recovery”?
Ragan: First step is to be evaluated by a medical professional. Pending that interview, they then recommend a course of action. It’s tailored to what the recommendations are from the interview.
FOXSports.com: Is there a time frame for the recovery process?
Ragan: As quickly as possible. They have been extremely cooperative in expediting the process.
