“Penske Racing fully supports NASCAR’s substance abuse policy, and we are disappointed with A.J.’s positive drug test results,” team owner Roger Penske said. “A.J. 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 A.J., 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 A.J. begins NASCAR’s ‘Road to Recovery’ program, we wish him the best and look forward to seeing him compete again in NASCAR.”

Allmendinger last raced at Kentucky Speedway on June 30. He was temporarily suspended by NASCAR on July 7, just prior to the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway after his first sample testet positive. A “B” sample was then tested. Results from that test were also positive, resulting in an idefinite suspension last week.

Sam Hornish Jr., one of Penske Racing’s drivers in the Nationwide Series and a former Sprint Cup driver, has been driving the No. 22 Sprint Cup car since the Daytona race.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images for NASCAR

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You know, In the NFL, of course you have Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees at the top of  everybody’s list. Payton Manning is a mainstay, and now that Eli Manning has won another Super Bowl, he is being whispered about. The discussions always gets heated when you try to ease second tier guys like Tony Romo and Big Ben into the Elite category, but as always, it makes for good conversation and speculation.  You know, it always gives us something to talk about.

I have never heard a discussion on this subject regarding drivers in Nascar’s Sprint Cup Series, and with some soul searching thought I could come up with three or four drivers I would put on that pedestal and consider them to be Elite.

As in other sports, this list would have to only include drivers that are actively competing in races today on a regular basis, and would not include Stars from the past like a Richard Petty or David Pearson.

Drivers in the Elite status should get there based  on their track performance, and not by how many commercials they appear in, or how popular they are with the fans. You know, evaluate them on driving and track skills.

We at Stock Car Spin would like to get your input as fans, so I will put up a Fan Poll where you can vote on some candidates that I feel should be considered to be Elite Drivers. Please take a minute and gives us your opinion. You will be allowed to make three selections.

Follow Me On Twitter @Spin_47