Richard Petty Motorsports driver AJ Allmendinger was charged with driving while impaired under alcohol outside of Mooresvile, North Carolina early Thursday morning.
Mooresville police said Allmendinger failed a field sobriety test after he was pulled over.
Allmendinger released a statement on Thursday.
"I made an error in judgment last night for which I take full responsibility," Allmendinger said. "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."
Allmendinger has been placed on probation until Dec. 31, 2009 by NASCAR after he violated Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) of the 2009 NASCAR rule book.
