DARLINGTON, S.C. --- Jeremy Mayfield was suspended indefinitely by NASCAR on Saturday for failing a random drug test, becoming the first driver to violate a toughened new policy that went into effect this season.
Mayfield tested positive for a banned substance last weekend at Richmond International Raceway. NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter would not reveal what banned substance Mayfield used, but Hunter said it was not an alcohol-related offense.
"There is no place for substance abuse in our sport," Hunter said.
NASCAR also suspended two crew members for failed tests at Richmond.
Mayfield, who is driving a car this season he owns himself, failed to qualify for Saturday night's Sprint Cup race at Darlington Raceway.
He did not immediately return a voice mail message left on his cell phone Saturday by The Associated Press.
The suspension applies to Mayfield's roles as owner and driver of the No. 41 Toyota. Although the car can race next week at Lowe's Motor Speedway with another driver, Hunter said it cannot be entered with Mayfield as the owner.
Just days after the Daytona 500, one of Mayfield's crew members became the first person punished under NASCAR's new drug policy for a failed test. Mayfield fired Paul Chodora after he was suspended by NASCAR.
"We as an organization appreciate NASCAR's drug testing policies and policing efforts as it makes the sport stronger overall," Mayfield said after firing Chodora. "If Paul doesn't comply with NASCAR's reinstatement process, then he will no longer be an employee of Mayfield Motorsports."
NASCAR announced a new, tougher drug policy last September. The guidelines were strengthened in part because of former Truck Series driver Aaron Fike's admission that he had used heroin -- even on days he raced. That led Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick and other veteran drivers to call on NASCAR to add random drug testing to its policy.
Under the new rules, all drivers and crew members had to be tested before the season began. Random tests are scheduled throughout the year, and at least four drivers are tested each weekend. Hunter said the drivers are selected through an automated computer program.
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Where are all the Racist comments?
I am disappointed. He used to drive for Penske Racing.
Junior Johnson was suspended as an owner in 1991 (meaning that the #11 was not allowed on the track) and he somehow found a loophole in the old rule and ran a car that was numbered 97. NASCAR has since closed that loophole, so someone else must own the #41 for the duration of Mr. Mayfield's suspension.