Life on the Road – Trucking News Blog

He’s the first driver suspended indefinitely for violating NASCAR’s (new) strict drug policy. Mayfield (#41 Toyota) tested positive earlier this month at Richmond’s International Raceway. All competitors, drivers, owners, crew guys, spotters, and all NASCAR officials are subject to random drug testing.

Both Mayfield’s primary and backup B samples tested positive. NASCAR has not revealed the substance/s found in the test, but has stated it is not alcohol related. Also, the Associated Press reported that sources have told them that it is not performance enhanced drugs.

That means it is a narcotic or a controlled substance – cocaine, marijuana or methamphetamines. Mayfield, according to ESPN, “has denied that he took a substance that violated NASCAR’s substance-abuse policy and plans to do whatever he has to, even if that means legal action, to override his indefinite suspension. Mayfield claims it was a combination of prescription and over-the-counter medications that resulted in the positive test.He has no plans to go through the rehabilitation process that NASCAR says is necessary for reinstatement into the sport.” 

Mayfield, 39 years old, has 433 career starts with 5 Sprint Cup victories but has come up short since 2005. NASCAR last September instituted the new drug policy – according to Sports Illustrated – in part because former Truck Series driver Aaron Fikes admitted to using heroin. You can still join the Mayfield fan club for $42.50 by going to his website – http://www.jeremymayfield.com/09FanClub.html . The latest report on Mayfield + a vid of his response can be found at: http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/nascar/cup/news/story?id=417205. The photo credits are: http://www.jeremymayfield.com/images/07ch6.jpg, minnesota.publicradio.org/…/2008/03/07/pracs/dan gunderson

*** Two other items in the news deserve your attention. (1) is OOIDA’s efforts to push the legislation to eliminate Illinois dual speed limits – more information at: http://www.landlinemag.com/Special_Reports/2009/May09/051809_IL_uniform_speeds.htm and (2) an article I highly recommend you read on our colleagues in aviation – the hours they’re struggling with, working conditions, etc. at: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/17/nyregion/17pilot.html?scp=1&sq=commuter%20pilots&st=cse