NASCAR: Late driver change made for Watkins Glen

GMS Racing announced a late driver change for Saturday’s NASCAR Truck Series race as a result of COVID-19-related protocols.

GMS Racing NASCAR Truck Series driver Chase Purdy tested positive for COVID-19 and will therefore not compete in Saturday’s race at Watkins Glen International, the first race in the series since Friday, July 9.

Set to replace him behind the wheel of the #23 Chevrolet in this 72-lap United Rentals 176 around the eight-turn, 2.454-mile (3.949-kilometer) natural road course in Watkins Glen, New York is A.J. Allmendinger.

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Allmendinger is also set to compete in the 82-lap Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey 200 Xfinity Series race at the track on Saturday, as he competes full-time behind the wheel of the #16 Chevrolet for Kaulig Racing in that series.

He is not currently scheduled to compete in Sunday’s 90-lap Go Bowling at The Glen Cup Series race at the track.

Here is what GMS Racing had to say about the matter in a statement.

"“In accordance with NASCAR protocol and the CDC guidelines, Purdy will not compete in Saturday’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event at Watkins Glen International. AJ Allmendinger has agreed to substitute as the replacement driver of the No. 23 Bama Buggies Chevrolet. We wish Chase a steady recovery and hope to see him compete at the series’ next event at World Wide Technology Raceway in Gateway.”"

Through 14 races so far this season, Purdy sits in 19th place in the point standings with an average finish of 24.7 and top finishes of 15th at Nashville Superspeedway and Pocono Raceway.