Allmendinger could be back racing in NASCAR before seasons end

AJ Allmendinger was in his first year with Penske Racing when he was suspended. (Getty Images)
AJ Allmendinger was in his first year with Penske Racing when he was suspended. (Getty Images)

Recently reinstated driver AJ Allmendinger could be behind the wheel of the No. 51 Chevy for Phoenix Racing within the next two weeks.

Phoenix Racing owner James Finch confirmed Thursday that current driver Kurt Busch, who recently signed with Furniture Row racing for next season, will leave the team after the Talladega race on October 7.  Busch was in contention to win at the spring race at Talladega and the team wants one more shot before separating with Busch.

Finch confirmed talks with representatives for AJ Allmendinger who was recently reinstated by NASCAR after a passing their Road to Recovery program. Allmendinger tested positive for a banned substance in July and immediately opted to join the program.  Shortly after he tested positive, Allmendinger was released by Penske Racing where he had a one year deal. MORE>>>

Greg Engle
About Greg Engle 7421 Articles
Greg is a published award winning sportswriter who spent 23 years combined active and active reserve military service, much of that in and around the Special Operations community. Greg is the author of "The Nuts and Bolts of NASCAR: The Definitive Viewers' Guide to Big-Time Stock Car Auto Racing" and has been published in major publications across the country including the Los Angeles Times, the Cleveland Plain Dealer and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He was also a contributor to Chicken Soup for the NASCAR Soul, published in 2010, and the Christmas edition in 2016. He wrote as the NASCAR, Formula 1, Auto Reviews and National Veterans Affairs Examiner for Examiner.com and has appeared on Fox News. He holds a BS degree in communications, a Masters degree in psychology and is currently a PhD candidate majoring in psychology. He is currently the weekend Motorsports Editor for Autoweek.