One day after word leaked out that AJ Allmendinger will drive the #43 Best Buy Ford full-time in the Sprint Cup Series in 2010, the Richard Petty Motorsports driver was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated.

Allmendinger was pulled over at roughly 1:30 yesterday morning, and reportedly failed a field sobriety test. Sources also say that Allmendinger blew a .08 on a breathalyzer test. The limit in North Carolina is .08.

Allmendinger had this to say:

“I honestly felt fine, but I obviously should have erred more on the side of caution, particularly given what I do for a living,” Allmendinger said. “It was a bad judgment call and I apologize for that. If anything good can come of this, then hopefully I can be an example of being more aware of drinking responsibly and if even if you feel fine, take a cab, call a friend,” Allmendinger said. “Just don’t risk it. I will do my best to make it right and use this to learn myself and hopefully educate others.”

So what happens to Allmendinger now? Well, we’ve seen this movie before. In 2005, Kurt Busch was arrested in Phoenix for DUI. He also got into an altercation with a police officer.

What was Busch’s punishment? He had to perform 50 hours of community service during the following year. He was also suspended for the final two races of the season, at the discretion of car owner Jack Roush. At the time, however, Busch had already announced that he would be leaving Roush Racing after the season was over. In this case, Allmendinger is likely coming back to RPM next year. At least, if the rumors are true.

But Richard Petty has always been against alcohol use. And the fact that one of his drivers was arrested for DWI likely won’t sit well with him. Reports say that Allmendinger will race this weekend at Talladega, but don’t be surprised if a suspension is levied.

If Busch did not serve jail time, Allmendinger likely won’t either. Busch only got 50 hours of community service, and he committed two offenses. 50 hours of community service is likely the maximum punishment Allmendinger will get.

As far as NASCAR goes, they likely won’t levy any sort of penalty. But if they want credibility for their sport, which involves driving cars, they might want to think about adding a rule about their drivers drinking and driving.

Note: As of 9:30 P.M. ET on Thursday, AJ Allmendinger has been placed on probation by NASCAR until the end of the year. RPM has issued a statement apologizing for Allmendinger’s actions. It did NOT include a suspension, nor did it suggest that any additional announcements regarding any actions towards Allmendinger will be made. We’ll keep you posted as we learn more information.

Note 2: As of 5:00 P.M. ET on Friday, Richard Petty Motorsports has announced that it is placing AJ Allmendinger on probation until the end of the year, and will fine him $10,000, which will reportedly go to charity.