MOORESVILLE, N.C. – Austin Wayne Self has issued an apology after he was suspended by NASCAR Monday for failing a random drug test.
Self, who races in the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series for AM Racing, will have to go through the Road to Recovery program before he’ll be allowed to return to NASCAR competition.
“To each of my fans, team partners, crew members, and fellow NASCAR members, I ask for your grace and understanding in this difficult season of adversity, and ask that you would accept my apology for what has happened,” Self said in his statement. “It is an honor to be involved in a premier sport so great as ours, and I am truly crushed for what has happened.
“It has been incredibly disheartening since learning of the results from the random drug test taken earlier this season at Daytona, through our sanctioning body, and for the news announced today.
“The news and positive results have caught me as a surprise. Being a driver, I am expected to be a steward for our sport – someone who pays attention to even the most minute of details, just as our race team does with our trucks in competition. Moving forward, I promise to those who will follow this journey, that I will aim to the utmost of my ability to do a better job at paying close attention to what I consume, and allow into my body, as an athlete.
“I will work closely with NASCAR through this process to learn more about what has happened, and to ensure that I am able to return to competition as quickly as possible.
“Moving forward I would be grateful to have your prayers as I prepare for the days ahead. I take comfort in knowing that God has a plan for me through this, and that as 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 explains, will come through this stronger ready to tackle what lies ahead. Thank you for your support and understanding.”
Neither Self or NASCAR has revealed what led to the positive drug test. AM Racing said in a statement Monday that the team plans to continue racing while Self goes through the Road to Recovery program.
Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series regular Bubba Wallace has driven for the team in the last two Truck Series events.