NASCAR Driver Mayfield Fails Drug Test
Jeremy Mayfield was suspended indefinitely by NASCAR on Saturday for failing a random drug test, becoming the first driver to violate a toughened new policy that went into effect this season.
Mayfield tested positive for a banned substance last weekend at Richmond International Raceway.
"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," Mayfield said in a statement. "My doctor and I are working with both Dr. (David) Black and NASCAR to resolve this matter."
Black of Aegis Sciences Corp. in Nashville, Tenn., has worked on testing programs with the NFL, Indy Car and more than 70 NCAA Division I colleges.
NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter would not reveal what banned substance Mayfield used, but Hunter said it was not an alcohol-related offense.
"There is no place for substance abuse in our sport," Hunter said.
NASCAR also suspended two crew members for failed tests at Richmond.
Tony Martin, a crew member for the car John Andretti drove last weekend at Richmond, and Ben Williams, a crew member for the Nationwide Series car Matt Kenseth drove last weekend, were both suspended indefinitely.
Mayfield, who is driving a car this season he owns himself, failed to qualify for Saturday night's Sprint Cup race at Darlington Speedway.
The suspension applies to Mayfield's roles as owner and driver of the No. 41 Toyota. Although the car can race next week at Lowe's Motor Speedway with another driver, Hunter said it cannot be entered with Mayfield as the owner.
Mayfield said in his statement that an interim owner and a temporary replacement driver would be announced early next week.
John Andretti, who finished 32nd in last week's race at Richmond, said he's not worried that the driver next to him might be driving impaired and applauded NASCAR's tougher drug policy.
"I think it's a great thing that they (NASCAR) do," Andretti said from Indianapolis, where he's preparing for the Indy 500 later this month. "And whoever they catch and confirm, so there's no mistake, shame on them."
Just days after the Daytona 500, one of Mayfield's crew members became the first person punished under NASCAR's new drug policy for a failed test. Mayfield fired Paul Chodora after he was suspended by NASCAR.
"We as an organization appreciate NASCAR's drug testing policies and policing efforts as it makes the sport stronger overall," Mayfield said after firing Chodora. "If Paul doesn't comply with NASCAR's reinstatement process, then he will no longer be an employee of Mayfield Motorsports."
Mayfield, a two-time qualifier for the Chase for the championship, has five Cup victories in 433 career starts, but none since 2005 at Michigan. He was fired by Evernham Motorsports in late 2006 and bounced around until this season, when he formed Mayfield Motorsports.
