Townley's comeback hits sour note following arrest

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John Wes Townley was poised for a NASCAR comeback.  Absent from the touring series since 2010, the young driver was set to drive the No. 09 truck for RAB Racing’s launch into the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

This all changed when a report was released that Townley was arrested for DUI. The details are pouring in from numerous reports, but Townley’s return to NASCAR has now hit a detour.

In a press release from RAB Racing on Friday,the team stated, “RAB Racing with Brack Maggard announced today that as a result of his recent DUI arrest, John Wes Townley will be replaced as driver of their No. 09 Toyota Tundra until his return is deemed appropriate.”

"John Wes has accepted full responsibility, and will take the necessary personal steps in order to correct his actions, among other internal sanctions," Robby Benton, stated. "We stand by John Wes, and will welcome him back to the team at the appropriate time."

John Wes Townley will need to redeem himself from this self-inflicted shame and embarrassment, but it is possible.

Sadly, this is not the first time a driver in NASCAR has been down this path. Just last year Michael Annett faced the same situation and was sentenced to two years probation, community service and a fine. Since the arrest Annett has moved onward and upward. This year Annett looks to finally make a name for himself, instead of being the second car at Rusty Wallace Inc. and teammate to Steven Wallace, Annett will be driving for “The King” Richard Petty. Petty is launching into the Nationwide Series with Annett and is showing a lot of faith in the 25 year old driver.

The list of shame and redemption continues: AJ Allmendinger (drunk driving in 2009), Michael Waltrip was in an accident with alcohol suspected as a factor, Kurt Busch famously lost his ride at Roush Fenway Racing following his drunk driving arrest and the list continues for stars and their mistakes.

Life always hands us second chances and Allmendinger, Waltrip, and Busch all had their's, as will Townley.

As for NASCAR, there has been no response yet on what, if anything will happen to Townley from an official angle. Per Kerry Tharp of NASCAR, "...when the team determines it is time for him to return to the ride, we will take into consideration all of the steps that have been taken and consider his return to racing under certain conditions."

With just days remaining RAB Racing will have to scramble to find a replacement for Townley, but in the NCWTS there are still many great drivers without rides if they choose to look outside of their stable.

For Townley, the road to redemption will be worth taking if he can dedicate himself to his career. He has the backing of his team but needs to clear up his personal battles before entering the high pressured world of NASCAR.