Richard Childress Racing's John Wes Townley cited for underage possession of alcohol
John Wes Townley was cited for underage possession of alcohol in Las Vegas.
// Archive, NASCAR Illustrated
LAS VEGAS – Richard Childress Racing’s John Wes Townley was cited Thursday for underage possession of alcohol in Las Vegas, the 20-year-old driver confirmed Saturday.
Townley was allowed to compete and finished 15th Saturday in the Sam’s Town 300 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
“John Wes is very aware that he made a serious error in judgment,” team owner Richard Childress said in a statement. “Drivers are human and make mistakes like everyone else. However, we do not condone his behavior and will be handling it as an internal matter at RCR.”
NASCAR officials said they were aware of the citation and had talked with Townley, who after the race Saturday declined to be specific when asked if NASCAR gave him a breath and/or blood test during the weekend.
“There were some things that had to be done, but nothing out of the ordinary,” Townley said.
Townley, who drove a partial Truck Series schedule for Roush Fenway Racing in 2008, is in his second year in the Nationwide Series. He was 23rd in points last year driving for RAB Racing as he started 26 races with a best finish of 16th at Bristol Motor Speedway. He is 21st in the standings after three races this year.
Townley’s sponsor is Zaxby’s, where his father is the chief financial officer and one of the restaurant’s founders. Townley said he is confident he will get to keep his job.
“I’m 100 percent confident it is [still my ride],” Townley said. “I’m excited for the next race.”
Online searches of Las Vegas courts do not show any court date yet for Townley.
“I want to apologize to NASCAR, everyone at Richard Childress Racing and all of our sponsors,” Townley said in a statement released by the team. “I made a big mistake and feel terrible about it. I have learned a valuable lesson and will do everything I can to make it up to those I have let down.”
