Auto Racing | NASCAR makes driver Allmendinger take breath test before practice

TALLADEGA, Ala. — NASCAR driver A.J. Allmendinger was required to take a breath test before Friday's practice at Talladega Superspeedway because of his arrest on a charge of driving under the influence.

Allmendinger was arrested by Mooresville (N.C.) police early Thursday morning. He was placed on probation by NASCAR through the end of the season and said he had no problem when series officials asked him to take the test.

"I know what I've done," Allmendinger said. "I respect the punishment and everything that I have to do to gain the trust back of NASCAR and everybody that's out there racing with me. It's not the best feeling in the world, but at the same point I respect that I have to go do it."

Mooresville police said Allmendinger, who drives the No. 44 Dodge for Richard Petty Motorsports, failed a field sobriety test after being pulled over shortly after leaving a bar.

Allmendinger registered 0.08 percent blood-alcohol level on the test, the police report said. Under North Carolina law, his license will be automatically suspended for 30 days.

On Friday, RPM fined Allmendinger $10,000, which will be donated to charity. The team also put him on probation through the end of next season.

Allmendinger said he hasn't spoken to Petty since the incident. The seven-time NASCAR champion released a statement Thursday saying he was "disappointed" in Allmendinger's actions.

Allmendinger enters Sunday's race 25th in points and is considered part of RPM's long-term plans. Team officials said Allmendinger was going to be moved into Petty's famed No. 43 next season. Best Buy is expected to sponsor the car. Allmendinger, 27, said he is optimistic the incident won't mar his future prospects.