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Drugs In NASCAR Racing
| For the most part, NASCAR has simply not faced the issue of drug use like other professional sports. The most notable driver to be suspended due to a failed drug test was 13-time race winner Tim Richmond in 1988. He drove for Hendrick Motorsports and appeared to be on his way to superstardom, becoming a regular fixture on the nnascar schedule. In the aftermath, Richmond denied any drug use and it was later discovered that medications taken for cold symptoms were the cause of the positive results. NASCAR did not want Richmond on the track at that time. He was already losing serious weight due to illness; in fact, Richmond was dying of AIDS, though NASCAR was in the dark about his condition. In NASCAR's eyes, the weight loss and a number of other strange symptoms had to be the results of drug use, and that was the rumor in the Cup garage. nnIn 1989, he passed away due to complications from AIDS. nnSince Tim Richmond's unceremonious removal from the sport two decades ago, very few drivers have faced the wrath of NASCAR because of drugs. Shane Hmiel, Kevin Grubb, Tyler Walker, and Aaron Fike have faced suspensions in recent years. Grubb and Hmiel received lifetime bans after failing drug screenings following reinstatements from a previous suspension due to drugs. nnHmiel is the son of veteran mechanic, Steve Hmiel, who has built an impressive career working for names like Dale Earnhardt Inc, Rousch Racing, and Chip Ganassi Racing. Hmiel was one of the most talented up and comers earlier in the decade, but persistent drug use tarnished a promising career. nnGrubb was also a young prospect in the late 1990's. He enjoyed moderate success in the Busch, now Nationwide Series before failing a drug test in 2003. While he was reinstated three years later, Grubb was again suspended in 2007. By May of 2009, Grubb died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. nnTyler Walker, good friend to Sprint Cup Series star Kasey Kahne, failed a drug test and was suspended in 2006. To my knowledge, he has yet to file for reinstatement. nnFor Aaron Fike, NASCAR suspended the driver from racing after a theme park arrest for heroin possession. Later, in an interview with ESPN's 'The Magazine,' Fike said that he was using heroin on race day. Needless to say, the Fike interview was a shocking blow to NASCAR. nnUntil the 2009 season, NASCAR only screened drivers under reasonable suspicion. Today, NASCAR randomly tests both drivers and crewmembers throughout the season using Aegis Science Corp. Labs with Dr. David Black monitoring the procedures. nnA handful of crewmembers have already been suspended after positive results. nnAs recently as May 9, 2009, driver Jeremy Mayfield, another big name like Tim Richmond, was place on indefinite suspension for failing his drug screening. According to Mayfield, the test was positive because of his use of the allergy medication, Claritin-D and another prescription drug. Both Dr. Black and NASCAR have made it clear that they reject Mayfield's claim. nnMaintaining his innocence, Mayfield has hired lawyer Bill Dielh. There appears to be a legal suit in NASCAR's very near future. nnAlthough NASCAR has not revealed the supposed illicit material, and Mayfield was totally ignorant of this illegal substance until recently. He and his lawyer received reports earlier in the week. nnEssentially, it comes down as Mayfield's word against theirs, and the case will probably be resolved outside of court. This latest event has many turning a critical eye towards NASCAR. Still, there isn't necessarily any reason for concern for the nascar schedule. The coverage of Mayfield's legal protests have sidetracked many notable stories coming out of NASCAR that could mean some good press for a change. Much of this is about the fact that drug issues are still a rarer thing in NASCAR than they are in the NBA, NFL, MLB, or the NHL. nnThe random drug screening process is an improvement from the testing only on reasonable suspicion approach. The only trouble is that NASCAR officials have failed to provide a list of banned substance. It seems that NASCAR wants to decide if a substance should be banned. A list of banned substances would allow the drivers and crewmembers more understanding on what they can or cannot do. nnIt should be crystal clear now that drugs are not allowed in NASCAR. |
About the Author
I write for a nascar handicapping blog and you can view my nascar news and opinions there. I like to take a informative approach when writing about the issues affecting nascar.
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