#41-Jeremy Mayfield’s assertion that use of two allergy medicines led him to run afoul of the series’ drug policy is not plausible, the person charged with running the program told USA TODAY. “What we have is a clear violation of policy,” said David Black, whose Tennessee-based Aegis Labs conducts NASCAR’s random testing program. “In my many years of experience, I have never seen a violation like this due to the combination of over-the-counter or prescription products.” Black, citing NASCAR policy, declined to specify what caused Mayfield to test positive, saying it was “a drug of concern.” NASCAR announced before Saturday’s race at Darlington Raceway that Mayfield [see story below] “ the first driver tagged under the series’ first-year mandatory testing program “ had been suspended indefinitely. Mayfield couldn’t be reached for comment Sunday. His agent, Bobby Wooten, said Mayfield was taking allergy medicine when the urine samples were collected at Richmond International Raceway a week ago. The series doesn’t have a set list of banned substances, although drivers were warned before the start of the season that they would be screened for steroids, amphetamines and recreational drugs. Black said “there’s no way a driver would be in violation” for using common cold and allergy medications as directed. “It’s very unfortunate for the sport, for Jeremy, for everybody, because it definitely puts a black eye on (the sport),” four-time Cup champ Jeff Gordon said. Mayfield must complete a treatment program before he’s allowed to return to racing. “If that program is successfully completed, then the competitor may attempt to seek reinstatement,” NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said in an e-mail. One of Mayfield’s crewmembers, Paul Chodora, was the first violator of NASCAR’s testing program in February. Mayfield said in a statement at the time that his team endorsed NASCAR’s “policing efforts as it makes the sport stronger overall.” Wooten said Chodora is no longer with the team.(USA Today)(5-11-2009)
