RAB to replace Townley after DUI charge

John Wes Townley has been replaced, at least for now, with RAB Racing following his arrest on the charge of DUI, according to a team release.

RAB Racing with Brack Maggard announced Friday 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."

According to a report in the Athens Banner-Herald (Ga.), the 22-year-old was charged Tuesday after police were notified of a man knocking on the door of a home at 4:30 a.m. and bleeding from his bare feet. The paper reports that Townley was taken to jail and that the police subsequently learned of a nearby wreck "where a 2012 BMW had run off the roadway and hit a telephone pole. Blood was on the driver's seat and the air bags had been deployed. The car belonged to Townley."

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team owner Robby Benton addressed the situation in the team's release.

"Obviously, this is an unfortunate situation," he said. "However, we have to react to the severity of the incident accordingly. His actions do not reflect those of RAB Racing, nor the sponsors associated with the team.

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