NASCAR`s Drug Related Headlines by Cruz N. Diamant
When looking at other major sports it seems that NASCAR has been spared the worst of the serious drug use controversies. One of the most well known drivers to be suspended due to a failed drug test was the 13 time race champion Tim Richmond back in 1988. He became a part of Hendrick Motorsports was the path to superstar status regularly appearing on the nascar schedule. Richmond however denied the drug use it was later stated that medications to treat cold symptoms triggered the positive result. Still representatives of NASCAR managed to keep Richmond out from thatpoint forward. He was already losing serious weight due to illness; in fact Richmond was dying of AIDS though NASCAR was unaware of this fact at the time. NASCAR remained convinced that Richmond`s weight loss other odd symptoms were the result of using drugs rumors supported this idea.
In 1989 he passed away due to complications from AIDS.
Twenty years after Richmond was booted out of racing only a small number of NASCAR drivers have come under fire from racing officials for illegal substance abuse. Aaron Fike Tyler Walker Kevin Grubb Shane Hmiel are all drivers that were suspended in the last few years. Hmiel Grubb in particular were ultimately banned for life after they failed drug tests after they had been reinstated following earlier suspensions.
Hmiel is the son of racing mechanic Steve Hmiel who has been involved with popular racing companies like Chip Ganassi Racing Rousch Racing Dale Earnhardt Inc. in the last several years. Hmiel was a racer with serious talent many described him as one of the more talented rookie drivers of the last decade but his substance abuse issues were the undoing of his promising future in racing.
Grubb was another hot young racer back in the late 1990s. Grubb obtained a small measure of success in the Nationwide Series which was previously known as the Busch Series before failing a drug screening in 2003. Despite the fact that Grubb was reinstated after a three year absence form track he lasted just a year before final suspension in 2007. By May of 2009 Grubb died of a self inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
Tyler Walker good friend to Sprint Cup Series star Kasey Kahne failed a drug test was suspended in 2006. Tyler has yet to file for NASCAR reinstatement.
Aaron Fike was suspended by NASCAR but only after he was arrested at a theme park while in possession of heroin. Later in an interview with ESPN`s `The Magazine,` Fike said that he was using heroin on race day. NASCAR took the Fike interview as a serious wake up call.
Prior to the 2009 season NASCAR required tests only for those drivers under reasonable suspicion for abuse. Today NASCAR randomly tests all drivers crewmembers throughout the season through Aegis Science Corp. Labs with Dr. David Black overseeing the process.
Several crewmembers were recently suspended for testing positive for illegal drugs.
As recently as May 9 2009 driver Jeremy Mayfield another popular driver 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 another prescription drug. However NASCAR Dr. Black have publicly ruled out Mayfield's claim.
Maintaining his innocence Mayfield has hired lawyer Bill Dielh. A lawsuit against NASCAR could be on the horizon.
Although NASCAR has not revealed the supposed substance Mayfield was totally ignorant of the drug until recently. Both Mayfield his attorney received updates earlier in the week.
The bottom line is that this is he said they said situation that will likely be resolved outside of court. This latest news coverage has brought negative attention to the sport of NASCAR. The bad press hasn`t made a serious impact on the nascar schedule. The coverage of Mayfield`s legal protests have sidetracked many notable events coming out of NASCAR that could mean some good press for a change. Because drug issues are rare in NASCAR it bigger deal than it would be if it were NFL MLB NHL or NBA player.
The random drug screening process is an improvement form testing only on reasonable suspicion approach. The real weakness in this new approach is that NASCAR hasn`t given out a list of substances it has banned to the public. NASCAR wants to be in control of what is isn`t acceptable. A list of banned substances would allow the drivers crewmembers more understanding on what they can or cannot do.
It should be crystal clear now that drugs are not allowed in NASCAR.
I blog for a nascar handicapping blog you can view my nascar news nascapper. com nascar news. html opinions there. I like to take a controversial approach when blogging about the situations affecting nascar. NASCAR`s Drug Related Headlines
