NASCAR Drug Testing Policy

NASCAR Drug Testing Policy for all substances -- Steroid, illegal, prescription and alcohol.

Updated: 2009

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Independent lab confirms Mayfield's postive drug test: Testing performed by an independent laboratory supported the results that left Sprint Cup driver Jeremy Mayfield indefinitely suspended for failing NASCAR's substance abuse policy, court documents said. Results of the test and the name of the individual tested were blacked out, but a NASCAR spokesman confirmed they were identical. The documents, part of NASCAR's response to Mayfield's lawsuit to have his indefinite suspension lifted, show that Medtox Laboratories in Minnesota tested both his "A" and backup "B" samples last week and "confirmed the presence" of a substance that is blacked out in the filing. NASCAR claims Mayfield tested positive for a "dangerous, illegal, banned substance" and should not be allowed back on the track. It was revealed in open court two weeks ago that the drug was amphetamines. ESPN the Magazine's Ryan McGee, citing multiple sources, said it was methamphetamines. Mayfield's attorneys claim that NASCAR's drug testing program does not meet federal workplace guidelines. They argue that Mayfield did not give permission for the "B" sample to be tested after the "A" sample came back positive and that the "B" sample should have been tested at an independent laboratory. They said since proper procedure was not used and because the "B" sample was compromised when opened, thus not giving Mayfield the opportunity to send it to a second lab, that the entire test should be invalid. Both samples originally were tested by Aegis Laboratory, the Nashville Tenn.-based facility NASCAR employs to run its testing program. The most recent test was conducted at MedTox Laboratories in St. Paul, Minn. All the evidence will be dealt with at a Wednesday [July 1st] hearing in U.S. District Court, where Mayfield is seeking a temporary restraining order that would allow him back in the car, possibly as early as Saturday night's race at Daytona International Speedway.(see more at ESPN.com)

Thursday, June 26, 2009

Mayfield denies taking methamphetamines: Jeremy Mayfield denied Thursday ever taking methamphetamines, doesn't know how he failed a random drug test and said his indefinite suspension from NASCAR has ruined his driving career. Mayfield's denial comes in an affidavit that was among several hundred pages of documents filed by his attorneys in U.S. District Court. He's been suspended since May 9 for failing a random drug test conducted eight days earlier at Richmond International Raceway. "I have never taken methamphetamines in my life, and when accused of taking them I immediately volunteered to give another sample,'' Mayfield said in the affidavit, which also says his offer of a second sample was denied. (AP/SI.com)

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Report: Mayfield's expert lied about credentials: NASCAR has filed a motion in federal court that says an expert witness for suspended driver Jeremy Mayfield lied about his credentials. The motion was filed Tuesday. It claims Dr. Harvey MacFenerstein falsely represented himself on six counts in a May 29 affidavit presented on behalf of Mayfield, who was suspended indefinitely by NASCAR after failing a drug test. NASCAR says MacFenerstein does not have the medical degrees or certifications he listed in his qualifications. ( Associated Press)

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Mayfield claims he inhaled fumes according to court documents: Suspended for failing a drug test, driver Jeremy Mayfield said he "inhaled fumes from a fiery wreck in the Talledega race," according to more court papers filed in the battle between Mayfield and NASCAR. Mayfield was indefinitely suspended May 9 for failing a random drug test conducted May 1 at Richmond International Raceway. He filed suit to overturn his suspension on May 29. In legal papers obtained Monday, a response by NASCAR drug testing firm Aegis Labs said a doctor asked Mayfield if he had taken any diet medications or inhalers, specifically, Vick’s Inhaler. Mayfield said he had not, the papers say. Doctors said in the documents that they agreed with Mayfield's account from an earlier suit that in a subsequent phone call Mayfield said "he was in a fiery wreck while competing in the Talledega race in late April .... and inhaled a large amount of fumes." The Talledega race was in late April, prior to Richmond.(Charlotte Observer)

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Report: Mayfield tested positive for meth: NASCAR driver Jeremy Mayfield tested positive for methamphetamine during a random drug screening May 1 at Richmond International Raceway, ESPN The Magazine has learned from two independent sources. In court documents filed in the past two weeks (Mayfield sought a temporary restraining in order to return to the track; NASCAR countersued), it was revealed that Mayfield had admitted ingesting a double dosage of Claritin-D, an allergy medication, and the prescription drug Adderall XR immediately prior to the Richmond drug test conducted for NASCAR. Mayfield claims the Adderall XR had been prescribed by a physician to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, a third drug came up positive during the urine-based Richmond test. The name of the drug in question has been redacted from court documents and was not specified by either Mayfield or NASCAR because of the conditions of a May 29 gag order issued in Mecklenburg County Superior Court in North Carolina. Monday, ESPN The Magazine learned from sources that the unidentified drug was methamphetamine. Neither NASCAR nor Mayfield is allowed to comment because of the gag order. (ESPN.com) Last week NASCAR countersued Jeremy Mayfield, the sanctioning body alleges Mayfield tested postive for three drugs, two named substances Adderall and Claritin-D, and a third unnamed drug they called "dangerous, illegal and banned substance."

Saturday, June 6, 2009

NASCAR countersues Mayfield: NASCAR filed a countersuit against Jeremy Mayfield on Friday, accusing the suspended Sprint Cup driver of willfully violating the substance abuse policy, breach of contract and defrauding competitors of earnings. The suit stated that Mayfield knowingly participated in sanctioned competition using a combination of drugs in violation of the substance abuse policy that he agreed to follow. "And in doing so violated his contract with NASCAR and the standards of care for other drivers," NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said from Pocono Raceway. Mayfield was suspended on May 9 for violating NASCAR's substance abuse policy after failing a random drug test taken a week earlier. He then hired Charlotte, N.C.-based attorney Bill Diehl and made charges against the governing body ranging from defamation of character to discrimination against someone with a disability (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Mayfield's attorneys argued in an open court hearing, in which they sought a temporary restraining order to get the driver back on the track, that Mayfield's positive test was the result of taking Adderall prescribed for ADHD and Claritin-D for allergies. NASCAR revealed in court that Mayfield tested positive for three drugs, two of which were explained (Adderall and Claritin-D) and amphetamines. Attorney Paul Hendrick described the drug as a dangerous, illegal, banned substance. "You will see in [the lawsuit] he competed in a number of races that had we known he had been on a medication he was on and certainly known there were illegal substances involved we wouldn't have allowed him to compete," Poston said. (ESPN.com)

Friday, May 29, 2009

Jeremy Mayfield tested positive for amphetamines: NASCAR told Jeremy Mayfield that he had tested positive for amphetamines, his attorneys say, but they also told a judge the suspended driver had been taking medication for allergies and an attention deficit disorder. Mayfield's attorneys are asking the court to overrule the suspension to allow his to return to competition. In presenting their argument, the attorneys also allege that the lab NASCAR used had improperly tested samples and had not followed federal guidelines in its testing. (ThatsRacin.com)

Thursday, May 28, 2009

NASCAR randomly drug tests crew members during rain delay: NASCAR randomly drug-tested 10 crew members from 10 teams during the rain delay at the Coca-Cola 600, an apparent tweak to the first three months of in-season testing. Prior to Sunday night, crew chiefs said NASCAR typically informed them when the garage opened if a team member had been selected to give a sample. The individual had four hours to report to testing. Drivers can be tested on any day of the race weekend. (AP/Silfy)

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

NASCAR drivers still want list of banned products: Some drivers would still like to receive a list of products that NASCAR considers to be banned substances. As of now, there is no such list. Jeff Gordon believes that just keeping an open line with Black should be plenty for the drivers. "It's our job to work with our doctors as well as work with Dr. Black and some of the liaisons to make sure they know like I have bad allergies, so I take Allegra every day," Gordon said. "It's important for us to share all of that information with them. "I think what they're doing is setting a new standard and precedent, and there's going to be some time to learn how it works. I feel confident what I'm doing. I feel confident what they're doing." (News Journal)

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Some drivers content with NASCAR's drug testing policy: Jeff Burton suggests that drivers be proactive any time they are taking medication or nutritional supplements. Referring to Black, Burton said prior to last Saturday's all-star race, "I have Dr. Black's cell phone number. If I go to a physician, I call Dr. Black and tell him what the physician [has prescribed]. You better be proactive. It's your life, your career." While Burton, sixth in the points standings, says he hates being tested, he adds, "We've said as drivers we want positive enforcement. We want strict drug-testing." Both Burton and Tony Stewart are content with NASCAR's role in testing. "It's not our job to police the other drivers," said Stewart, second in points. "NASCAR is there to police that for us." Burton said the drivers feel that NASCAR officials listen to them. But everyone knows who runs the show. "My opinion is heard," Burton said, "but I don't get a vote. I know they're going to do whatever is in NASCAR's best interests." (Philadelphia Daily News)

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Drug testing doc says Mayfield is aware of substance: David Black, CEO of Aegis Sciences Corp., which runs the testing program, said he specifically identified the drug in several conversations with Mayfield over a three-day period after NASCAR suspended him. “I spoke with him about his positive test result on the day he was suspended, and I spoke to him directly about the test result,” Black said. “Yes, by name of what he tested positive for.” On Saturday, Mayfield said he was never told what drug caused the positive test and has yet to receive a copy of the results.(AP/Kansas City Star)

Monday, May 18, 2009

Dale Jr: Don't take drugs: Tony Stewart said he has the number of Black's NASCAR liaison and calls every time he needs to take a medication, just to be safe. "The safest way to make sure you're not getting in trouble is go to NASCAR and say, 'Hey, this is what I'm fighting,' " Stewart said. "We can call him and check and make sure the thing we're thinking about taking is OK." Dale Earnhardt Jr. said the easiest way to avoid the long arm of NASCAR's substance abuse policy is, well, don't take any sort of drugs. "Don't take drugs," he said. "It's stupid to do anyways. Regardless, if you drive race cars or not, it's a dumb idea. Don't be ignorant." (Daytona Beach News-Journal)

Drivers keep drug testing doc busy: Dr. David Black, the guy who runs the lab used by NASCAR to screen drug samples, has been busy this week taking calls from competitors who wonder if taking a couple of aspirin could make the alarms and whistles go off. "I made my call to Dr. Black this week," Mark Martin said. "I'm sure there are a number of others as well." "I asked him about anti-inflammatory. They weren't even testing for that is what he said. Well, he didn't say that specifically. He said 'I don't think they're even testing for that.' " (Daytona Beach News-Journal)

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Mayfield denies taking illegal drugs: Suspended NASCAR driver/owner Jeremy Mayfield denied Saturday he had used illegal drugs to cause a positive drug test taken May 1 and vowed he would not go through drug rehabilitation. Mayfield also stated NASCAR hasn't even sent him a paper copy of the test indicating which substance yielded the positive result. Having watched the Sprint Showdown at Lowe's Motor Speedway from an infield hospitality area, Mayfield spoke with a handful of reporters for about 10 minutes at the track. In response to France's comments Friday, Mayfield said, "That's what he indicates (about my test), but they've indicated something different every day of the week. I've heard the same story y'all have heard. I really don't want to say a whole lot. "All I can say is look at me, I'm alive. I'm well. I'm the same guy I was Thursday night before Richmond, Friday night at Richmond, Saturday night at Richmond. I ran the race, and I'm the same guy today as I've always been. My credibility should speak for something." (SportingNews)

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Drivers nervous about NASCAR's drug policy: A few days after NASCAR suspended Jeremy Mayfield indefinitely for failing a drug test, Mark Martin called Dr. David Black, who administers NASCAR's drug-testing policy. He wanted to make sure anti-inflammatory medication wouldn't get him a similar suspension. He was nervous. "When you pick up the paper and you see 'zero tolerance,' . . . What does that mean?" Martin said. "If you're taking something as prescribed, what does zero tolerance mean? It's our careers, man. . . . People have allergies, people have whatevers, injuries and stuff. I'm sure that's all fine. Dr. Black says that's all fine, but it's still pretty scary." NASCAR's drug-testing policy is the strictest and broadest in American professional sports. There is no drivers union to negotiate terms of a drug-testing policy or intercede on an accused driver or crew member's behalf. Suspensions are indefinite and not appealable. There is also no complete list of banned substances for drivers; NASCAR can test for anything it wants. (LA Times)

Friday, May 15, 2009

Vickers afraid of taking regular medication due to NASCAR policy: Brian Vickers admits he's scared to take any type of regular medication or even vitamins for fear of having a positive test. "If I want to take a multi-vitamin for daily health and drink a protein shake after I've worked out, I don't want to be scared to do that," he said. "I don't want to be afraid to take Tylenol when I have a headache because I have no idea what they consider drug abuse." (Virginian-Pilot)

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Drivers want list of ban substances: Ryan Newman wants to know what drug Jeremy Mayfield has been indefinitely suspended for and a list of all drugs that he could be tested for in the future. So do Brian Vickers and Kurt Busch. "I think everyone wants a list right now,'" Newman said Thursday night before the Pit Crew Challenge at Time Warner Cable Arena. Newman said he plans to discuss the situation with NASCAR. He believes there are enough drivers that want a list of drugs that are being tested for that they can present unified front and force the governing body to provide it moving forward. (ESPN.com)

Mayfield's positive test not for steroids: A person familiar with the test results told The Associated Press on Thursday that Mayfield's positive test was not for a performance-enhancing drug. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because NASCAR won't reveal what banned substance was found in the random test, which ultimately resulted in Mayfield's indefinite suspension. (SuperSport)

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Expert says NASCAR's banned substances list should be public: A prominent authority on drug testing says the indefinite suspension of Sprint Cup driver Jeremy Mayfield further enhances his belief that the sport needs to provide a public list of banned substances to protect itself legally. Mayfield on Saturday became the first Sprint Cup driver suspended for violating the substance abuse policy. Sources close to the situation said Mayfield claims he took Claritin D, an over-the-counter allergy drug that contains pseudoephedrine, a substance banned by most sports. Mayfield said in a prepared statement that the positive test was the result of combining a prescribed and over-the-counter drug, a possiblity the doctor who runs NASCAR's drug testing policy denied was plausible. "A combination of an over-the-counter drug taken with a prescription drug could not cause the positive that we took action on," Dr. David Black of the Tennessee-based Aegis Labs said. But what concerns Dr. Charles Yesalis, a Penn State professor who has testified before Congress on performance-enhancing drugs and spent 25 years researching drug testing, is that drivers are not provided a list of banned substances. The NFL, NBA, MLB PGA Tour and NCAA each make available public lists in their drug testing policies. "That alone to me is ludicrous," Yesalis said Monday. "That just kind of violates your sense of fair play. It never would fly in MLB or the NFL because they have a union. "The drivers don't have a union, but if somebody did that to me I'd go get myself a nasty lawyer. What if somebody in management or ownership doesn't like you? They can use that as a weapon against you." Black said the lack of a list makes the program stronger because it gives the governing body more flexibility. Yesalis doesn't disagree that the findings of the test are legitimate. He, too, never has come across a positive test caused by the use of Claritin D, although "if somebody doubled or tripled the dose I wouldn't want to be next to them at 190 miles per hour going into the first turn at Darlington." But for legal reasons he believes NASCAR needs to be more up front with what they are looking for. Because his is not considered an appealable offense, legal action could be Mayfield's only recourse if he chooses to fight the suspension. Sources close to the situation said that hasn't been determined yet.(ESPN.com)

Monday, May 11, 2009

Drug tester disputes Mayfield's claim; saying its a clear violation: NASCAR driver Jeremy Mayfield's assertion that use of two allergy medicines led him to run afoul of the series' drug policy is not plausible, the person charged with running the program told USA TODAY. "What we have is a clear violation of policy," said David Black, whose Tennessee-based Aegis Labs conducts NASCAR's random testing program. "In my many years of experience, I have never seen a violation like this due to the combination of over-the-counter or prescription products." Black, citing NASCAR policy, declined to specify what caused Mayfield to test positive, saying it was "a drug of concern." (USA Today)

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Mayfield releases statement concerning failed drug test: Statement from Jeremy Mayfield – Owner/Driver of the No. 41 Toyota Camry: “As both a team owner and a driver in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, I have immense respect for the enforcement policies NASCAR has in place. In my case, I believe that the combination of a prescribed medicine and an over the counter medicine reacted together and resulted in a positive drug test. My Doctor and I are working with both Dr. Black and NASCAR to resolve this matter. Mayfield Motorsports remains committed to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and the organization will announce an interim owner and a temporary replacement driver early next week. Those roles will commence immediately beginning with next week’s Sprint Open and continuing through Charlotte and beyond.”(Mayfield Motorsports)

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Jeremy Mayfield and others suspended by NASCAR: Jeremy Mayfield, driver of the No. 41 Toyota in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Tony Martin, a licensed crew member with the No. 34 team in the Sprint Cup Series and Ben Williams, a licensed crew member with the No. 16 team in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, have been indefinitely suspended from NASCAR for violating the sanctioning body’s substance abuse policy. All three were found to have violated Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 7-5 (violation of the NASCAR substance abuse policy) of the 2009 NASCAR rule book.(NASCAR PR)

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Mayfield crew member suspended: Pit crew member Paul Chodora of Jeremy Mayfield's No. 41 Sprint Cup team has been suspended indefinitely by NASCAR for violating the new substance abuse policy. Chodora, who NASCAR confirmed was a member of Mayfield's team Thursday, is the first person to be punished under the policy that was amended last season to mandatory preseason testing and random testing throughout the season. "Mayfield Motorsports respects the decision by NASCAR to indefinitely suspend Paul Chodora," Jeremy Mayfield said in a statement issued Thursday. "We as an organization appreciate NASCAR's drug testing policies and policing efforts as it makes the sport stronger overall. If Paul doesn't comply with NASCAR's reinstatement process, then he will no longer be an employee of Mayfield Motorsports." (ESPN.com)

Saturday, January 31, 2009

NASCAR: Drivers pass drug tests: NASCAR does not anticipate suspending any drivers who took their preseason drug tests last week in North Carolina, sanctioning body spokesman Ramsey Poston said today. “We are proud of how the process worked so far,” Poston said in a statement. “All drivers, crew members and officials will have passed the substance-abuse test going into the season.” Drivers in NASCAR’s three national series must pass a drug test during the preseason, and most drivers took their test last week at the NASCAR Research and Development Center. This is the first season that NASCAR is requiring its drivers to pass a preseason drug test. Its previous policy allowed NASCAR to test at any time for reasonable suspicion – which is still the policy today – but did not require the passing of a preseason test. (SceneDaily.com)

Friday, January 30, 2009

Newman questions timing of NASCAR's drug-testing: Ryan Newman supports NASCAR’s new drug-testing policy for 2009 but says he was surprised that the sanctioning body so clearly defined a designated time frame for the tests. “I might be opening up a can of worms when I say this, but why would you announce you’re going to have a drug-testing time?” Newman said during the Stewart-Haas Racing portion of the Sprint Media Tour hosted by Lowe’s Motor Speedway. “I mean the whole idea of announcing it kind of takes away from the people that know how to cheat the system. “Obviously, I know there’s probably going to be some follow-ups with certain people ... but it just seems to me that you’re only eliminating the really, really naïve people in the first testing or in the first screening like this.” (SceneDaily.com)

Monday, January 12, 2009

NASCAR drug testing deadline nears: NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck teams have one more week to file an initial list of crew members who have passed a drug test and are eligible for a NASCAR license. NASCAR issued a memo to teams last month, setting a Jan. 16 deadline for crew members, which includes all over-the-wall pit crew members, the crew chief, car chief, pit crew support, including team members that are responsible for tires, fuel, and pit crew operation, as well as spotters and race day support, including engineers, engine tuners, shock specialists, chassis specialists and tire specialists, to have the test results. All tests must be conducted by a laboratory certified by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Teams do not need to submit the names of crewmen who don’t pass. NASCAR plans to oversee the testing of drivers itself, beginning the week of Jan. 20, NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said Thursday. According to NASCAR policy, any driver who fails a test will be indefinitely suspended.(SceneDaily.com)

Thursday, December 18, 2008

NASCAR to set drug testing in January: NASCAR will test drivers for performance-enhancing drugs next month under a tougher policy that also bans using illegal drugs and abusing prescription medications. NASCAR likely will test drivers the third week of January, and crew members must submit results from an approved lab by Jan. 16, according to documents obtained Thursday by The Associated Press.

Among the substances those participants must be tested for are:

_ Seven different amphetamines, including methamphetamine and PMA, a synthetic psychostimulant and hallucinogen.

_ Three drugs classified under ephedrine.

_ 13 different narcotics, including codeine and morphine.

_ Ten different benzodiazepines and barbituates.

_ Marijuana, cocaine, zolpidem, nitrites, chromates and drugs that can increase specific gravity.

Complete story at Associated Press

Thursday, July 24, 2008

France asked if NASCAR has taken a look at its drug policy? France: We're about completed with our work on our policy. As I've said before, we have a long-standing policy that worked well. We also acknowledge there are different circumstances and different things today that might not have gone on when we originated the policy and that if there are ways to improve it - and there probably will be - we will. We'll have those answers pretty shortly, within a month or six weeks. I wouldn't look for dramatic changes in our policy because the basis of our policy, No. 1 is we can test anytime we want for cause. You can have any policy you want, but if the punishment isn't tough, that's the lesson of the time. If you look at lifetime suspensions, and we have several out there today, what happens on a first infraction in our sport is very severe. Frankly, it probably means your career is over. Certainly a second infraction probably will end a career. A third gets you a lifetime suspension. (Augusta Chronicle)

Feb. 25, 2006:

Shane Hmiel fails third drug test; banned for life: Driver Shane Hmiel has been suspended from competition for life by NASCAR after failing a third substance abuse test. “Shane failed to fulfill the prescribed rehabilitation program scheduled by NASCAR,” NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said Friday. “As a result, Shane has forfeited his opportunity to compete in any NASCAR-sanctioned events.” Asked if there is any possibility of Hmiel racing in NASCAR sometime in the future, he said, “No, it is a lifetime ban.” Hmiel, the 26-year-old son of longtime crew chief and team official Steve Hmiel, was first suspended in September 2003 after failing a test. He completed a required rehabilitation program and was reinstated for NASCAR competition in February 2004. But he was suspended again last June after failing a second substance abuse test. (MSNBC.com)

Oct. 7, 2005:

No word on substance: (Glenn) Darrow, crew chief for Tony Raines' Nextel Cup car, was tested for banned substances last Saturday at Talladega Superspeedway. The results were positive, leading to an automatic suspension. NASCAR did not identify the substance and several series officials did not immediately return phone messages left Thursday. Darrow becomes the second person suspended by NASCAR this season for failing a substance abuse test. (WTOP)

Oct. 6, 2005:

NASCAR suspends crew chief: NASCAR has suspended crew chief Glenn Darrow indefinitely, for violation of the sanctioning body’s substance abuse policy. Darrow, [now former] crew chief for the #37 Dodge [Tony Raines driver] that competes in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, was tested for banned substances last Saturday (Oct. 1) at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway. Test results were positive, violating Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and Section 12-4-E (violation of the NASCAR Substance Abuse Policy) of the 2005 NASCAR rule book. (NASCAR PR)

Aug 4, 2005

Waltrip drugs aren't a problem in NASCAR:  When Hall of Fame driver Darrell Waltrip surged into NASCAR, the drug of choice in those days wasn't steroids or cocaine or marijuana. It didn't go much deeper than alcohol and, on occasion, some bootleg moonshine. Not to say there weren't any drivers back in those days who didn't race with a monster hangover, their heads throbbing and stomachs queasy. Waltrip says the nature of the sport leaves no room for a driver who wants to participate in drug use. ''In any other sport, it's just you. You have teammates in a team sport, but physically you are not going to hurt anyone else,'' Waltrip said.  ''You can not only hurt yourself, you can kill someone,'' Waltrip said. NASCAR has a drug policy in place, but Waltrip notes that with all the teams working and living in close proximity, there is a lot of self-policing. (Jackson Sun)

June 29, 2005

No changes planned in NASCAR Drug Policy: NASCAR Chairman Brian France says he's comfortable with the sport's drug-testing policy, although some drivers question why the series does not have mandatory random drug testing. France says he sees no reason to change the policy, citing its stiff penalties. Other pro leagues, though, have strengthened their policies recently and bills about drugs in sports sit in Congressional committees. "We have a very, very get-tough policy,'' France said Tuesday in a conference call with reporters. "We have plenty of opportunities at our discretion to test whomever we need to test and we think it's pretty effective." (Roanoke.com)

June 22, 2005

Hmiel Out until at least 2007:  Driver Shane Hmiel has been suspended from NASCAR competition until at least 2007, NASCAR officials said Wednesday.  At that time, NASCAR will evaluate whether or not he will be allowed to return to competition. Hmiel was suspended indefinitely June 3 after failing a substance abuse test. It was Hmiel's second offense. He was first suspended in September 2003 after failing a substance abuse test. He completed a prescribed rehabilitation program and was reinstated for NASCAR competition in February 2004. NASCAR will lay out a road map for Hmiel's possible reinstatement in 2007, including a rehabilitation program that will include medical and psychological reviews, as well as frequent testing. (NASCAR)

June 10 2005

Hmiel has no appeal options: Busch Series driver Shane Hmiel will not be allowed to appeal his indefinite suspension for a second violation of NASCAR’s substance abuse policy, a NASCAR official confirmed Thursday.  “It cannot be appealed. We have a very structured process for violations of our substance abuse policy,” said Jim Hunter, NASCAR’s vice president of corporate communications.  “Right now, he is suspended indefinitely. If that were to change, we would inform everyone.” (Charlotte Observer)

June 9 2005

Hmiel hires Attorney: Online website ANR-AtT is reporting that Shane Hmiel has hired a lawyer to fight NASCAR about his latest drug suspension. According to sources Hmiel admitted that in 2003 he was on drugs when he was tested and failed, but he went on to say that he was not on drugs this time and had nothing in his system (he would not say what NASCAR suspended him for). The lawyer is going to have drug test run by Hmiel giving hair, urine and blood samples to prove the NASCAR test was wrong and try to get Hmiel reinstated as soon as possible. (ANR-AtT)

June 4 2005

Permanent ban for Hmiel? The brash 25-year-old who has served as a lightning rod for criticism and controversy has been suspended indefinitely, and it's uncertain whether he will be allowed back again. Hmiel followed a NASCAR-mandated recovery program and was reinstated five months after a positive test following a Busch Series race on Sept. 5, 2003 at Richmond International Raceway. That might not be an option after Hmiel entered uncertain ground by testing positive twice. NASCAR hasn't decided yet how another appeal would be handled. A decision could come Monday, and a NASCAR source said a permanent ban was being considered. (Times-Dispatch)

June 2 2005

Hmiel Suspended Again: The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) has suspended driver Shane Hmiel indefinitely, for violation of the sanctioning body’s substance abuse policy.  NASCAR officials said Thursday that Hmiel was tested for banned substances after NASCAR Busch Series qualifying at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. The results of the test were positive, violating Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and Section 12-4-E (violation of the NASCAR Substance Abuse Policy) of the 2005 NASCAR rule book.  Hmiel is 14th in the current NASCAR Busch Series driver championship standings.  (NASCAR PR) More: Hmiel, 24, was in Dover, Del., preparing for Saturday's Busch Race. He practiced his car Thursday, posting the second-fastest speed in the first practice, but was escorted out of the garage by several NASCAR officials before the second session.  Hmiel was previously suspended for testing positive for marijuana in 2003, and now is suspected again.

May 12, 2005

Burton Calls For Random Drug Testing: Nextel Cup driver Jeff Burton believes NASCAR should begin random drug testing to help make sure that stock-car racing is a drug-free environment.  "I'm not aware of anybody using drugs in the sport," Burton said. "But I wish we were more proactive in testing.  "I wish we'd do random drug testing. When you subject yourself to this sport - whether you're a pit crew member or a driver - you owe it to the people that are doing it with you to be sober, straight and clean." (ThatsRacin)

May 11, 2005

Burton NASCAR could do More on steroids: While the steroid issue foments in the National Football League and in Major League Baseball, NASCAR has worked hard to keep out of the line of fire.  But Burton said that NASCAR officials should make stock-car racing a leader in confronting the issue.  "The thing that I enjoy a great deal about our sport is that on a lot of issues we're in front of them, in comparison to other sports," Burton said. "We don't have a players union that stands in the way of our sanctioning body doing the right thing.  "It's one of the things that I enjoy about our sport. Having said that, I wish we would get further ahead of this than we are. (SalemJournal)

May 5, 2005

FIA and NASCAR; Olympic type drug testing? So far NASCAR executives have managed to keep their sport out of the line of fire, although the FIA, which is racing's ultimate governing body, says it will enforce Olympics-type drug testing on any series under it purview. NASCAR officials have dismissed the FIA decision with a shrug of the shoulders, saying it doesn't cover NASCAR. Are steroids an issue in NASCAR?  Crew chief Chad Knaus and others say that steroids could be an issue in stock-car racing, but if so, it would be a pit-road issue.  "Oh, yeah, definitely," Knaus said. "Whether it's being practiced or not, I have no idea. (Salem-Journal)

April 7, 2005

NASCAR Drug Testing: NASCAR confirmed Wednesday that it has issued 40 to 45 drug tests during the past two years, a figure that includes multiple tests for some individuals. NASCAR only drug tests individuals based on reasonable suspicion that they are abusing a drug. Jim Hunter, NASCAR spokesman, said that Shane Hmiel has been tested 12 to 15 times since he was reinstated in February 2004. NASCAR suspended Hmiel on Sept. 18, 2003, for violation of the series’ substance abuse policy for the use of marijuana. NASCAR required Hmiel to attend counseling and periodic random testing as part of his reinstatement. (Pilot Online)

April 6, 2005

NASCAR Not being investigated yet: The House Committee on Government Reform, which is investigating performance-enhancing drugs in baseball, sent letters Tuesday to seven sports organizations requesting information on their testing policies.  One sport won't be getting a letter right away: NASCAR.  Robert White, spokesman for committee chairman Rep. Tom Davis, R-Va., said the committee has not decided whether to ask to review NASCAR's drug testing policy. "We're looking to see whether it makes sense for us to take a closer look at them," White said. "At this point, we don't know if it's something we want to do." (News-Record)

April 3, 2005

More on NASCAR and Steroids: Steroids in NASCAR? The governing body says performance-enhancing drugs are not an issue in Nextel Cup or its other series, but an expert in the field speaks to the contrary. “There’s a lot of money involved in NASCAR,” said Charles E. Yesalis, a Penn State health policy professor and sports-drug expert who has testified about steroids on Capital Hill. “Anybody that thinks people in one sport are more honest than another sport are just plane naive.”  Yesalis said NASCAR, which does not have a mandatory drug testing policy, would be smart to turn its entire testing program over to the World Anti-Doping Agency to avoid the scrutiny other sports are under. “I doubt they have a huge problem, but it would deter one if they did,” he said.  Yesalis, who will be at Bristol Motor Speedway for today’s Nextel Cup race, said steroid use in NASCAR likely would come with pit crew members that require strength, speed and agility. He said steroids would have little if no impact on a driver’s performance. (TheState)

April 2, 2005

NASCAR Steroids not a Issue: The House Committee on Government Reform sent a letter to NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue this week asking the league to submit information on its steroid testing policies. Major League Baseball has already gone before Congress, and the panel is expected to question the NBA, NCAA, the NHL and other major sports. But NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said he thinks the stock car series is safe. "We don't think that steroids are an issue in this sport," Poston said. There is currently no drug-testing plan for drivers or crew members in NASCAR, but the sanctioning body is allowed to test if there is reasonable suspicion. (FoxSports)

April 1, 2005

NASCAR Likely to be Called to Congress: The congressional panel that held high-profile hearings on steroids in Major League Baseball is broadening its investigation to virtually all sports, starting with the NFL.  The GOP chairman and ranking Democrat on the House Committee on Government Reform sent a letter Thursday to NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, asking that the league submit detailed information on its steroid testing policies and practices by the end of next week.  Similar letters will go out as early as Monday to the NBA, the NCAA, the National Hockey League, USA Track and Field, Major League Soccer and other leagues.  There's "a good chance" the inquiry will also include NASCAR, said Robert White, spokesman for committee chairman Rep. Tom Davis, R-Va. (The State)