Austin Wayne Self - NASCAR Truck Series - AM Racing
NASCAR suspends Austin Wayne Self
Shane Walters
Austin Wayne Self has been indefinitely suspended by NASCAR; Race team comments
23-year-old, NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series driver Austin Wayne Self has been suspended indefinitely. The driver failed a random drug screening issued by NASCAR.
Self is in violation of Sections 12.1 & 19 in the NASCAR rule book. The penalty for positive test is an indefinite suspension.
Austin Wayne Self competes full-time in the NGOTS for AM Racing. He made his debut in the series back in 2016 with AM Racing. In 2017, he ran full-time with Niece Motorsports.
For 2019, Self has returned to AM Racing. He finished 9th in his debut with the team back in Daytona. His career-best finish was a 2nd place showing at Daytona in 2016.
Self will be able to complete the Road to Recovery program. Successful completion of the program usually allows for a lift of the suspension.
Spencer Gallagher was the most recent driver to complete the recovery program. He only spent a few months out of the seat.
This announcement comes just a week after AM Racing lost a crew member for an indefinite suspension. Front-end mechanic Jeffrey W. Merritt was recently suspended for failing to notify NASCAR of a misdemeanor.
“AM Racing respects NASCAR’s decision and will follow their direction,” AM Racing said in a statement.
“We expect Austin Wayne Self to return to the seat as quickly as possible. AM Racing will continue to operate as normal with a determination of a driver lineup set in the coming weeks.”
“We expect to emerge from this challenge as a stronger team.”
The driver has not yet commented since the penalty was announced.
Texas Motor Speedway Penalty Report – MENCS
Date: March 31, 2019
There was a single penalty announced for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series division as well.
Driver: Aric Almirola #10
Violation: Sections 10.9.10.4: Tires and WheelsNote: Lug nut(s) not properly installed.
Penalty: Crew chief (John Klausmeier) has been fined $10,000.
Note: There were no penalties to report for the NASCAR Xfinity Series who were also on the ticket this past weekend in Fort Worth.