Now that’s zero tolerance.
For the first time, a Sprint Cup driver has been busted for violating NASCAR’s new random drug-testing policy.
Jeremy Mayfield, a five-time winner on NASCAR’s premier series currently driving for his own team, has been suspended indefinitely for an undisclosed substance abuse violation, series vice president Jim Hunter said Saturday at Darlington Raceway. Mayfield, 39, failed to qualify for the Southern 500.
Also suspended indefinitely were Tony Martin, a crewman on the No. 34 Sprint Cup car of Front Row Motorsports, whose entry was driven Saturday night by Tony Raines; and Ben Williams, a crew member with the No. 16 Nationwide Series team of Roush Fenway Racing, which won Friday night’s event with Matt Kenseth. Hunter would not specify what substances were taken, but did say the violations were for more than merely alcohol use. NASCAR.com
Mayfield, 39, was randomly tested last weekend at Richmond. NASCAR received the results today at noon (et).
The driver and owner of the No.41 Toyota finished 35th at Richmond, but failed to qualify for the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on Friday.
“(Mayfield) is suspended as an owner and a driver,” Hunter added. “His team could be operated by somebody else, but Jeremy will not be allowed to participate.”
NASCAR revealed its new substance abuse policy last September, with all drivers and crew members tested at the beginning of the year and subject to random tests throughout the season. MiamiHerald.com
Mayfield released a statement Saturday evening:
“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.” NASCAR.com
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