By Caleb Whisler, Staff Writer
NASCAR announced on Wednesday that they have indefinitely suspended Spencer Gallagher for violating the substance abuse policy.
Gallagher was found in violation of section 19 of the NASCAR rule book. He has agreed to participate in the Road to Recovery program.
The sophomore Xfinity series driver scored his first win at Talladega Superspeedway on Saturday afternoon.
“I recently have had a positive result in a NASCAR drug screen which has violated NASCAR’s substance abuse policy. I want to assure everyone in the NASCAR community this one time error in judgement will never happen again. I am taking the steps to enroll in the Road to Recovery program supported by NASCAR,” Gallagher stated.
“I would like to say that I am sorry to all of the GMS organization for my actions, especially my team and team owner, who have worked so hard this year and have put faith in me. I also want to apologize to NASCAR, Chevrolet and my fans for letting them down. I have not upheld the behavior that is expected of me. I promise you all here and know, I will do whatever it takes to make this right.”
Mike Beam, president of GMS Racing, issued an apology on behalf of the organization.
“GMS Racing was notified that driver Spencer Gallagher gave a positive result from a NASCAR drug screen. GMS fully supports NASCAR’s policy on substance abuse and we do not condone this type of behavior. First and foremost, our entire organization wants to apologize to NASCAR, our sponsors, teammates and fans due to this policy violation. Spencer has agreed to participate in NASCAR’s Road to Recovery program. A substitute driver will be announced at a later date,” Beam stated.
A NASCAR spokesperson confirmed to Kickin’ The Tires that Ryan Sieg will be Dash4Cash eligible this weekend at Dover and that Gallagher will not be granted a waiver for the Playoffs.
The main focus and priority of NASCAR is to help Gallagher get back into competition.