NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series driver Austin Wayne Self has been suspended indefinitely by NASCAR for violating the sport’s Substance Abuse Penalty (SAP) policy, covered in the Behavior category of Sections 12.1 and 19 of the NASCAR Rule Book.
The 23-year-old Austin, Texas native has 66 career starts in the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series, with a career-best finish of second place in the 2017 season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway.
Self competed in three races this season, with his last start being a 15th place finish at Las Vegas. Bubba Wallace drove for Self in the last two Truck Series races (Martinsville and Texas).
Austin Wayne Self drives for his family’s team, AM Racing, owned by his father Tim Self.
A team spokesman issued the following statement:
“AM Racing respects NASCAR’s decision and will follow their direction. 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.”
Self issued the following statement a day after the announcement:
— Austin Wayne Self (@AustinWSelf) April 2, 2019
There was one other penalty issued unrelated to Self: John Klausmeier, crew chief for Aric Almirola in the No. 10 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford in the Cup Series, has been fined $10,000 for violating Sections 10.9.10.4: Tires and Wheels -- Lug nut(s) not properly installed..