In the same week that the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar outfielder Manny Ramirez was busted for using performance-enhancing drugs, NASCAR Sprint Cup kept pace by busting Sprint Cup driver and team owner Jeremy Mayfield after random tests turned up an undisclosed banned substance. Presumably the substance was not “performance-enhancing,” because Mayfield failed to even qualify for his most recent race, the Southern 500. Mayfield has won five Sprint Cup races in his career, but now he has been suspended for an indefinite period.
The random drug tests also uncovered substance abuse by Sprint Cup crew member Tony Martin and Nationwide Series team member Ben Williams. Like Mayfield, both were suspended indefinitely. The suspensions were announced by NASCAR Vice President Jim Hunter, but Hunter did not disclose what substance or substances each of the men allegedly used.
While this is hardly good news for Mayfield and the crew members, it is good news for NASCAR: It is a clear indication that its new random drug-testing program, which we advocated in this space more than a year ago, is working. In fact, keeping drivers and crew members who might have substance-abuse problems on check may prevent tragic accidents.
“NASCAR has one of the toughest substance abuse policies in all of sports,” Hunter said. “It’s all about safety and competition. And a positive result means an indefinite suspension from all competition. The implementation of the random testing aspect of this program has been welcomed and supported by the drivers, owners and other competitors in the sport.”
A year ago, before NASCAR’s change of heart on
the issue, Hunter would have been lying had he made that statement. At that
time, NASCAR’s stance on drugs was to seek drug testing only if a suspicion
arose that a driver or crew member had a problem. As the most recent results
show, the old policy might have missed some who were abusing drugs. Now we hope
the ones who have been identified can get professional help. Meanwhile, those
on the NASCAR circuit can rest a bit easier.
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