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(AP) -- AJ Allmendinger says he would never knowingly take a prohibited drug.
 
Allmendinger issued a statement Tuesday, his first since he was suspended by NASCAR for failing a random drug test.

Allmendinger was informed of his suspension hours before Saturday night's race at Daytona.
 
The 30-year-old driver says he has requested his "B'' urine sample be tested, and he hopes the situation can be resolved with NASCAR as quickly as possible.
 
NASCAR does not disclose what substance was found in a failed drug test.

Allmendinger and Penske Racing have not revealed details, either.
 
Allmendinger apologized for the distraction he has caused Penske Racing, his sponsors and fans.
 
Sam Hornish Jr. will replace Allmendinger in the No. 22 Dodge this weekend at New Hampshire.

(Copyright ©2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)