Just before the start of the 2012 Coke Zero Sugar 400, the NASCAR community was thrown into turmoil as AJ Allmendinger failed a drug test, leading to his immediate suspension from Penske Racing. This incident caused widespread reaction, including a pointed response about drug use within the sport from his teammate at the time, Brad Keselowski. The topic of AJ Allmendinger’s failed drug test quickly became a focal point for discussions about substance policies in racing.
Keselowski’s Deliberate Response to the Drug Test Scandal
Brad Keselowski chose not to immediately address the controversy when the suspension was first announced. Instead, he took time to process the situation, eventually making his opinions public nearly a week after Allmendinger’s suspension. Keselowski’s position was forceful: substances forbidden by NASCAR’s regulations, including supplements or any banned drugs, have no place in professional racing at any time.
Strong Words on Substance Policies in Racing
When discussing the debate about what substances might be permitted or banned, Keselowski offered blunt criticism of those seeking specialist opinions to justify use of supplements. He said,
“I laugh out loud when I read this list of people saying, ‘Well, I have my supplements checked!’ Like there’s some specialist to supplements that are okay. But these aren’t… What kind of world is that?! You know that’s terrible.”
– Brad Keselowski, Driver.
Elaborating on his frustrations, he emphasized the need for a clear and strict code by noting,
“Nothing should be allowed because then it just comes down to who you’ve got for a doctor or a lawyer that says that this is okay and this is not.”
– Brad Keselowski, Driver.
He also discussed the anxiety surrounding drug testing in NASCAR, mentioning that even those who have never taken any drugs feel fear when being tested, as a positive result could end a career instantly.
Personal Philosophy on Competing Drug-Free
Sharing his own perspective, Keselowski stressed that abstaining entirely—from drugs and even from questionable supplements—should be the norm for anyone competing at the professional level. He made his viewpoint clear with,
“I’m sure I have different views than everyone else. I don’t think there needs to be a committee that approves drugs or supplements or whatever it is. I just think you shouldn’t be allowed to take anything. You should just man up and drive the damn race car.”
– Brad Keselowski, Driver.
Aftermath for Allmendinger and the Team
The failed drug test led to major changes within Penske Racing. After the suspension, Allmendinger’s contract was officially ended, and Joey Logano was brought in to fill the No. 22 Ford Mustang seat. Brad Keselowski continued with Penske until 2021 and later transitioned to RFK Racing as both a competitor and a co-owner starting in 2022.
Long-Term Impact on NASCAR and Its Competitors
Even years later, Keselowski’s stance against drug use and his call for uncompromising adherence to the rules resonate throughout the sport. His comments are frequently held up as a standard for younger drivers joining NASCAR, emphasizing the career-altering consequences of testing positive for banned substances and the importance of maintaining a clean record. The reverberations of the AJ Allmendinger failed drug test continue to influence attitudes and policies in professional racing today.
