AJ Allmendinger Reportedly Suspended Indefinitely for Positive Drug Test

NASCAR's AJ Allmendinger saw his suspension go from temporary to indefinite after results of his "B" test did nothing but reinforce the results of a previous urine test, which was found to be in violation of the sport's substance abuse policy. 

ESPN's David Newton reports that Allmendinger now has two options to put an end to his suspension. He can either fight the findings, or enter NASCAR's Road to Recovery program. 

The substance that caused the positive test has not been made public, but Newton shared that "Allmendinger, through his business manager, claimed that he didn't knowingly take a banned substance that was described as a stimulant that could have come from a supplement or over-the-counter drug."

Given this stance, it certainly is not out of the question that Allmendinger may decide to fight this decision. However, doing so would not likely be in the best interest of getting his career going again. 

Newton reported that the program, which includes "counseling, treatment or rehabilitation, as well as additional drug testing," takes about five months to complete, according to those that have finished it. 

Those five months are sure to serve as a much quicker route to racing than the long, drawn-out legal process assuredly involved with fighting the decision. There isn't likely to be anything swift about that.

Since Allmendinger's suspension, Sam Hornish Jr. has been at the wheel of the No. 22 for Penske Racing, in his stead. Allmendinger had tallied three top-10 finishes and one pole in Sprint Cup races before his suspension. 

Whatever route Allmendinger decides to take, he will likely be looking for a new ride when he returns. He was on a one-year contract with Penske.

It is unlikely that they will hold his spot while he works his way back to reinstatement.