Sep 20, 2008 - 11:11 AM
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The racing organization announced Saturday it has amended its long-standing substance abuse policy to include random tests beginning in 2009. Penalties for violation of NASCAR's substance abuse policy will continue to be among the toughest in sports - immediate suspension from competition.
The amended policy mandates that all drivers in NASCAR's three national series - Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Craftsman Trucks - be tested prior to the start of the 2009 season. Team owners must also verify that all licensed crew members have been tested by a certified lab prior to the start of the season.
In addition, NASCAR will test its officials prior to the start of the 2009 season. Drivers, over-the-wall crew members and NASCAR officials thereafter will be subject to random tests throughout the year.
"We have made a very good policy even better with the addition of random tests," NASCAR chairman Brian France said. "NASCAR's policy has long given us the ability to test anyone, anywhere, at anytime. Random tests now provide us and the industry with additional information."
NASCAR's substance abuse policy has always prohibited the misuse or abuse of any drug. This means that a violation of the policy can be triggered with the use of any drug or medication if NASCAR believes it has been abused or misused. NASCAR's policy of testing based on "reasonable suspicion" remains in effect.
Competitors that violate the policy will continue to be required to meet detailed criteria prescribed by NASCAR's outside experts in order to be considered for reinstatement. While it is possible that a competitor could receive a lifetime ban for just one violation, a third violation will automatically result in a lifetime ban.
Previously, NASCAR only tested drivers for "reasonable suspicion" of substance abuse, but that policy came under fire in May after former Craftsman Truck Series driver Aaron Fike told ESPN.com that he had raced while high on heroin.
Following Fike's admission, NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter told ESPN.com that chairman Brian France had appointed a group of company officials to an interim committee that would study the policy and whether it should be revamped.
Last week, defending Craftsman Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday Jr. admitted to receiving shipments of testosterone and human growth hormone - and using testosterone - over a period from December 2004 to January 2006.
However, Hornaday was not penalized by NASCAR.
"Our substance abuse experts have told us the prescription Ron Hornaday used did not enhance his performance or impair his judgment. It is our understanding Ron had a very serious health issue, which is continuing to be addressed," Hunter said.
Hornaday went on to win the ensuing NCTS race last Saturday at New Hampshire following NASCAR's announcement that he would not be punished.
NASCAR's drug issues have not been limited to just the Truck Series.
Former NASCAR Busch Series driver Shane Hmiel failed a drug test in 2003, then again at Dover in 2005.
After failing a third drug test in early 2006, Hmiel was banned from NASCAR for life.
