Display posts from previous
Sort by

Re: Idle Chatter

1373 by Tribe Fan in SC/Cali
Thanks for the reminder of Jim in Nebraska, and his daughter J.R..


You've reminded me I need to find an animal shelter here in my new locale that needs help around Thanksgiving. Since Jim's passing I don a purple shirt and show up at a shelter with donations around that time. It's something I might do anyhow, but I like to remember our fellow poster as my motivation to do it each year since he has passed.

Barberton wore purple.

Re: Idle Chatter

1375 by rusty2
Penske drops AJ Allmendinger

Updated: August 1, 2012, 6:02 PM ET

By David Newton | ESPN.com

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Suspended Sprint Cup driver AJ Allmendinger was released by Penske Racing on Wednesday.

Allmendinger, who drove the No. 22 Shell Penzoil Dodge, was indefinitely suspended last Tuesday after his "B" sample urine test supported an original test that was positive for amphetamines.

"I apologize for the distraction, embarrassment and difficulties that my current suspension from NASCAR has provided," Allmendinger said in a statement. "As I stated last week, I have begun NASCAR's Road to Recovery program and look forward to using those resources and its completion to compete again in NASCAR in the near future."

The release didn't come as a surprise. Team owner Roger Penske said Sunday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway that he planned to meet with Allmendinger this week, noting others in his organization who have failed drug tests have been terminated.

Jayski

Penske Racing releases AJ Allmendinger. Plus, we have more on Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jimmie Johnson and Rick Mears.

More Podcasts »
Even had Allmendinger not violated NASCAR's drug policy there was a good chance he wouldn't return tp Penske in 2013. He had a one-year deal and was 23rd in points at the time of his initial suspension.

Penske Racing officials said Sam Hornish Jr. will remain in the No. 22 for the foreseeable future. Hornish drove the past three races at Daytona, New Hampshire and Indianapolis that Allmendinger missed.

There are a couple of races in which Hornish was committed to a third Penske Cup car with sponsors that will have to be evaluated. Penske has said those races could be used to try out other drivers.

"Penske Racing fully supports NASCAR's substance abuse policy and we are disappointed with AJ's positive drug test results," Penske said in a statement. "AJ 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 AJ 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 AJ begins NASCAR's Road to Recovery program, we wish him the best and look forward to seeing him compete again in NASCAR."

Penske said he will evaluate his options for the No. 22 car in 2013. Among those expected to be interested in addition to Hornish are Joey Logano, Brian Vickers and possibly Ryan Newman if sponsorship can't be found for him at Stewart Haas Racing.

Logano is in the final year of his contract with Joe Gibbs Racing. Gibbs officials have said they want to re-sign him, but until sponsorship is found Logano said he's keeping all options open.

Roush Fenway Racing driver Matt Kenseth, according to multiple sources, will take over Logano's No. 20 team with primary sponsor Home Depot and likely Dollar General in 2013.

Penske Racing president Tim Cindric said he, Allmendinger and Allmendinger's business manager flew to Detroit to meet with Penske and other top management on Tuesday night. He said Penske explained there really were no options but dismissal based on company policy with others who have failed drug tests.

"He said, 'Look, I can't help you in this particular situation relative to going forward, but there will be a point and time -- I don't know how or when -- when I'll be there to help you,'' Cindric said.

"It's certainly not the news (Allmendinger) wanted. Nobody wins in this situation. But we needed to have closure. We just wanted to make sure he knew where we could so he could plan accordingly.''

Cindric admitted it will be tough for Allmendinger to get another top ride in NASCAR's top series based on what has happened if and when he's reinstated.

"It's going to be a bit of a mountain to climb for him to have another opportunity as good as this one,'' he said. "We realize that, but there is nothing we can do to help that other than go through steps to be reinstated and make sure we're able to express our support for him as an individual.''

Cindric said the decision to release Allmendinger was all Penske's.

"Internally, we have a zero tolerance policy,'' he said. "We don't think the drivers should be outside that policy. As much as we wanted it to be different, there was nothing we could do.''

Cindric said closure at this time gives Penske Racing more time to focus on 2013. While the hope is to have Hornish in the No. 22 the rest of this season and do well enough that he makes next year an easy decision, he said the process is wide open.

Cindric said the only potential conflict for Hornish this year is Talladega where he already was committed to sponsors to drive in a third Cup car.

"We'd love to see him in the car,'' Cindric said. "We also need to ensure we have results.''

On whether Allmendinger will be paid by Penske for the rest of the year, Cindric said, "The fair answer to that question, I've seen Roger's concern for individuals. I feel as though in all circumstances he's been fair. Only AJ can really explain to you whether he was fairly treated or not.''

Re: Idle Chatter

1376 by Tribe Fan in SC/Cali
Yeah, I'm pretty bummed about the AJ Allmendinger problems. I've posted many times before that I've followed him after meeting him before he made the NASCAR level.

It was a day that The American Red Cross was doing a blood drive and if you would agree to be hooked to a machine for 45 minutes while getting blood withdrawn and the platelets removed and then blood re-inserted you could get a "hot lap" with a "pro driver" around the Infineon Raceway in Sonoma CA.

It rained often that day, making the "hot laps" impossible for most so there were many no shows for the appointments to donate. I still went for a 3PM appointment and the hot lap was not possible with the rain then, but I still got on the blood machine.

The plan was for hot laps to happen before the blood machine since The Red Cross was concerned people would be too woozy or nauseous to go for the high speed ride after the blood/platelet donation

When my donation time ended around 4PM, one of the "pro drivers" came in and asked the Red Cross people if anyone wanted a hot lap since the track had dried. I overheard and said "heck YES!" I assured everyone I was fine after the blood procedure and headed to the car.

AJ Allmendinger was the lone "pro driver" who had hung around until late just in case the weather would allow any of the promised laps to donors. I told him I was a big NASCAR fan and had been to a few of the NASCAR Infineon races and was anxious "to experience the track from the driver perspective." He said, "well, do you want the top speed experience?"

"Yep."


"Well let me get some fresh tires on this car."

I grabbed a helmet and climbed into a stock Camry that was part of the local pro driving school. Infineon is most known for it's hairpin turn, and the fact the elevation goes up and down about 10 to 12 stories while rounding the roaming track.

AJ took that stock Camry and made it do things I did not think possible. Downhill at a red line speed and then a sudden lurch and leap to turn sharply to the right with barely a miss in the speed level.

In advance I thought I knew the track well, but while in the front seat I could not tell Turn 2 from Turn 9. We chattered as he drove and we ended up going around the track three or four times, when the initial plan was for one lap.

I've been a fan of his since that day.

NASCAR rules are stringent on substances that will be tolerated, as they should be with the speeds and co-reliance on safe driving skills while racing at 190 mph+ in some cases.

I really think that AJ just tripped on something with an over the counter or relative's prescription pep pill. At least I hope so. Jeremy Mayfield was a scum bag, and Tim Richmond was just Tim Richmond, albeit from Ashland OH. I met a couple of girls he sometimes "sported with" in South Carolina. When Richmond was banned it was over the counter Sudafed and Advil, as rumor had it.

I hope and expect AJ to make it back.

Re: Idle Chatter

1379 by Tribe Fan in SC/Cali
Our electricity and internet were on and off frequently tonight as we had more than usual electrical storms in Southwest Florida.

The combo Dog Track (in season) and OTB had power so that became the destination while waiting for the lights to come back on.....hopefully for the remainder of the night.

I hit a dog trifecta at Derby Lane in St. Pete early, and nailed the last two thoroughbred races at Del Mar well. I should have quit then, but the storms were still booming.

I battled for some more dog races from the Tampa and Miami areas and held my own. After the storms seemed to have quieted it was decided to head back home to see how the dog was weathering the storm action. One advantage to a dog being almost 16 years old is that the old life auditory abilities seem to make thunderstorms less dog scary.

I placed an advanced trifecta wager on the 12th at Flagler Kennel Club before I left.

I tuned into the live streaming a bit ago, and watched as the wager clicked.

It was "Maude" on top of "Jessica Alba" for a $196 go home happy win.

Go Figure.

Really, the dog names were actually Maude and Jessica Alba.

Channel surfing, I discovered the end of a Soupy Sales Show, and then just enjoyed a vintage Dinah Shore Chevy Show.

I loved seeing again the ending of the Dinah Shore show.

"See the USA in your Chevrolet!"

That tune truly became my personal mantra as while a kid I vowed to visit all 50 states (or 52 or 53 dependent upon President opinion) before venturing abroad. "Abroad" for me did not include Canada, Mexico, or The Bahamas.

I made it to Alaska, my 50th state, just before my 35th birthday. Just after my 35th birthday I hopped a plane to Zurich and roamed Europe for a couple of weeks in an Opel. I had one of the largest cars on the road when I was driving in Italy.
Post Reply

Return to “Cleveland Guardians”