NASCAR chairman Brian France has classified Jeremy Mayfield’s positive test as “a serious violation” of the sport’s toughened drug policy.
France will not reveal what substance Mayfield was caught using in a random drug test May 1. NASCAR indefinitely suspended the driver last week after his backup “B” sample also tested positive. Associated Press
The head of the sport said the banned substance Mayfield took was a “serious infraction,” and defined it as a recreational or performance-enhancing drug. The Associated Press reported on Thursday that it was not a performance-enhancing drug.
Based on that, only a recreational drug would be the substance of discussion. The development again disputes Mayfield’s claim that the positive test was the result of combining an over-the-counter drug with a prescription drug.
Dr. David Black, who runs NASCAR’s test program, ruled that out immediately.
“I don’t think the word serious needs any more definition from me,” France said before qualifying for Saturday’s All-Star Race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.
France remained adamant that he would not identify the drug and that there are no plans to change NASCAR’s policy despite requests by a number of top drivers that the substance be made public.
“If you look back over the last 20 years of our policy we just haven’t disclosed that, and let me tell you why,” France said. “No. 1, we do take it serious. No. 2, there is a privacy area. We’re talking about somebody’s medical record and somebody’s health record.
“Our view is there is nothing gained by disclosing exactly what the substance was that tested positive in Jeremy’s case or anybody else’s.”
Many drivers disagree, saying they are nervous and looking for answers. Mark Martin called Black earlier this week to make sure anti-inflammatory medicine he takes won’t get him parked. ESPN
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.
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