NASCAR driver A.J. Allmendinger was arrested for drunk driving in Mooresville, N.C., early Thursday. He failed a field sobriety test and blew .08, which is the minimum in North Carolina, on a Breathalyzer. The incident comes one week after driver Michael Waltrip narrowly avoided a DWI after hitting a motorcyclist with his Lexus and one day after I posted this article about race car drivers who can't drive in public, which I had to update, thank-you-very-much A.J. Allmendinger.

Allmendinger, 27, was driving a 2007 Lexus (does everyone in the Sprint Cup own a Lexus?) when he was stopped by police at 1:27 AM on Thursday. He was charged with one misdemeanor count of driving while impaired.

"I made an error in judgment last night for which I take full responsibility," Allmendinger said in a statement. "I went out to dinner and I had a couple of drinks. I honestly felt fine but I obviously should have erred more on the side of caution, particularly given what I do for a living.

"It was a bad judgment call and I apologize for that to my fans, sponsors, team and NASCAR. 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 - just don't risk it. I will do my best to make it right and use this to learn myself and hopefully educate others."

Jayski reports that Allmendinger will be in his car this weekend for the Amp Energy 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. NASCAR has placed him in probation until Dec. 31, 2009.

Allmendinger charged with driving while impaired (Scene Daily)

Related links:
Race car drivers who FAIL at driving in public
Michael Waltrip car accident