Drug policy strengthened

Random tests to start next season

Associated Press

September 21, 2008

DOVER, Del. -

NASCAR has toughened its drug policy and will do random tests in 2009 on everyone in the three national series - from star Chase drivers to anonymous tire changers.

All drivers, over-the-wall crew members and officials will be tested before the start of next season and will also be subject to random tests throughout the year.

The amended policy for the Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Trucks series begins with preseason testing at Daytona International Speedway.

"This is more of a reaction to the modern responsibilities that we also have, not just in NASCAR, but the whole community of sports," NASCAR president Mike Helton said yesterday. "I think the industry feels like that's the right thing to do."

NASCAR did not reveal a list of banned substances, and it reserved the right to test for any substance - anything from steroids to prescription medicines - if there was suspicion of abuse. Under NASCAR's current policy, testing is only done when there is a "reasonable suspicion" someone is using banned substances.

Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR's vice president of racing operations, said NASCAR will go public with anyone who flunks an original 'A' sample and backup 'B' sample test. While NASCAR reserved the right issue a lifetime ban after one positive result, O'Donnell said the sport would likely continue with a "three strikes-and-out" policy.

NASCAR expected to test 12 to 14 individuals per series each weekend in 2009. NASCAR is responsible for the cost of all testing, except for the preseason licensed crew member tests, for which owners will pay.

"This is not shooting hoops. This is not hitting a fastball," veteran driver Kyle Petty said. "This is life and death. In a sport like this, everything should be black and white. Everything should be off limits."

Attention on the existing policy increased when ex-Truck Series driver Aaron Fike told ESPN The Magazine he had used heroin - even on race days. That led a number of drivers, including Kevin Harvick and two-time Cup series champion Tony Stewart, to call on NASCAR to add random drug testing.

Steroid use and other performance-enhancing drugs have never been believed to be a problem in NASCAR. Drivers, owners and other officials liked to boast that NASCAR was the cleanest sport of them all.

Now, unified random testing can prove it.

Trucks driver Ron Hornaday recently said he used testosterone during 2004 and 2005 to treat a medical issue.

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Drug policy strengthened

Random tests to start next season

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Drug policy strengthened

Random tests to start next season

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