NASCAR's Jeremy Mayfield Suspended For Failed Drug Test

Jeremy Mayfield thus became the first NASCAR driver to be snared by a toughened new policy that went into effect this season. NASCAR did not indicate which drug Mayfield tested positive for. The positive test occurred at last week's NASCAR race at Richmond International Raceway.

Jeremy Mayfield said in a statement:

"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. (David) Black and NASCAR to resolve this matter."

The Dr. Black that Jeremy Mayfield is referring to is the CEO of Aegis Sciences Corp. in Nashville, TN, which runs NASCAR's testing program. It should be noted that Mayfield asked for his "B" or backup sample to be tested as well; that came back positive as well.

In addition to Jeremy Mayfield, Tony Martin, a crew member for the car John Andretti drove last weekend at Richmond, and Ben Williams, a crew member for the Nationwide Series car Matt Kenseth drove last weekend, were both suspended indefinitely.

Now why, why would anyone who isn't involved in the actual sporting event fail a drug test? It sounds like NASCAR is testing for recreational drugs, in addition to performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). While NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter would not reveal what banned substance Jeremy Mayfield used, he said was not an alcohol-related violation, saying:

"There is no place for substance abuse in our sport."