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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 became a part of Hendrick Motorsports and was the path to superstar status, regularly appearing on the nascar schedule. Richmond, however, denied the drug abuse, and it was later stated that medications to suppress cold symptoms triggered the positive result. NASCAR did not want Richmond in the sport at that time. He was already suffered weight loss due to illness; in fact, Richmond was dying of AIDS, though NASCAR was unaware of this fact at the time. From NASCAR`s point of view, the weight loss and subsequent health problems must be the result of drugs; rumors in the Cup garage supported this assumption.

In 1989, he passed away due to complications from AIDS.

Since Tim Richmond’s unceremonious removal from the sport two decades ago, very few drivers have faced the wrath of NASCAR because of drugs. Drivers Shane Hmiel, Tyler Walker, Kevin Grubb, and Aaron Fike have been suspended by NASCAR in the recent past. Grubb and Hmiel received lifetime bans after failing drug tests following reinstatements from a previous suspension due to drugs.

Hmiel is the son of racing mechanic Steve Hmiel, who has been involved with popular racing companies like Chip Ganassi Racing, Rousch Racing, and Dale Earnhardt Inc. in the last several years. Shane Hmiel was one of the most talented new drivers to hit the track in the last ten years, but drugs destroyed his career.

Kevin Grubb was an up and coming driver in the latter half of the 1990s. 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. Just recently, in May 2009, Grubb shot himself in the head and and subsequently died of his injuries.

Tyler Walker, good friend to Sprint Cup Series star Kasey Kahne, failed a drug test and was suspended in 2006. Tyler has yet to file for NASCAR reinstatement.

Driver Aaron Fike`s made the list of trouble drivers when he was arrested for heroin possession at a theme park and subsequently suspended by NASCAR officials. In a later interview with ESPN ‘The Magazine’, Fike admitted to using heroin on race day. Needless to say, the Fike interview was a shocking blow to NASCAR.

Prior to the 2009 season, NASCAR required tests only for those drivers under reasonable suspicion for abuse. Today, NASCAR randomly tests all drivers and crewmembers throughout the season through Aegis Science Corp. Labs with Dr. David Black overseeing the process.

A small number of crewmembers have been suspended following positive testing.

Jeremy Mayfield, perhaps one of the hottest drivers in NASCAR has been put on indefinite suspension following a positive testing for drugs back on May 9 at Darlington Raceway. According to Mayfield, the test was positive because of his use of the allergy medication, Claritin-D and another prescription drug. Nonetheless, NASCAR officials as well as Dr. Black have publically ruled against Mayfield` claim of innocence.

Maintaining his innocence, Mayfield has hired lawyer Bill Dielh. A lawsuit against NASCAR could be on the horizon.

NASCAR has not publicly disclosed the name of the drug that is in question, and even Mayfield has expressed ignorance regarding the drug. He and his lawyer received reports earlier in the week.

The bottom line is that this is a 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 is a bigger deal than it would be if it were and NFL, MLB, NHL, or NBA player.

Switching from the reasonable able suspicion approach to drug testing to the random format was a good move on NASCAR`s part. 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 and isn`t acceptable. By having the list available to drivers and crewmembers would help them to understand their limitations.

It should be crystal clear now that drugs are not allowed in NASCAR.