Allmendinger arrested for DUI after failed field test

MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- A.J. Allmendinger was arrested early Thursday morning on a charge of drunken driving.

Mooresville police said Allmendinger failed a field sobriety test after he was pulled over. Allmendinger reportedly blew a .08 on a Breathalyzer test.

Allmendinger

Allmendinger, who drives the No. 44 for Richard Petty Motorsports, said in a statement he had drinks with dinner and made a mistake in driving afterward.

"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."

On Thursday, NASCAR announced that Allmendinger has been placed on probation until Dec. 31, citing a violation of Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) of the 2009 NASCAR rule book.

Allmendinger is a major factor in RPM's long-range plans, and team officials told The Associated Press that Allmendinger was going to be moved into Petty's famed No. 43 next season. Best Buy is expected to sponsor the car.

It's not clear how his arrest may affect that relationship. Petty routinely shunned alcohol sponsorship, and refused to allow his teams to participate in NASCAR's second-tier series when it was sponsored by Busch.

"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."

RPM released a statement Friday at Talladega: "We are disappointed with his actions. A.J. has told us that he has accepted full responsibility for his actions and will do what is right.

"We have placed A.J. on probation through the end of the 2010 racing season. In addition, he will be fined $10,000 which will be donated to charity."