Category Archives: Jeremy Mayfield

Super Post: Kansas

Bowyer, RCR Appeal Denied

After a Richard Childress Racing owner, Richard Childress, brought in a reconstruction analyst to “prove beyond all reasonable doubt” that the infractions found by NASCAR on Clint Bowyer’s car following the New Hampshire race, the NASCAR Appeal Board upheld the original penalties levied by the sanctioning body.  Childress paid the fine(s) on the spot and made a statement soon there after saying that the team will continue the appeal process.  In the meantime, it probable that Bowyer’s Crew Chief, Shane Wilson will remain atop the pit box.

Judge Dismisses NASCAR v. Mayfield Countersuit, per NASCAR Request

The saga that has become NASCAR v. Jeremy Mayfield may have taken a step closer to resolution this week.  Mayfield was suspended from NASCAR following failing a drug test for methamphetamines in May 2009.  Following his suspension, Mayfield filed a volley of law suits against NASCAR.  As part of their defense, NASCAR filed a countersuit against Mayfield stating the because Mayfield was under the influence of drugs, and competing, he was in breach of contract.  In an effort to speed along the appeals process on the Mayfield suits, NASCAR requested that their countersuit be dropped.

New NASCAR Video Game

After two seasons without a major title release of a NASCAR based video game, Activision along with game developer Eutechnyx have developed: NASCAR The Game 2011 for XBOX 360, Playstation 3 and Nintendo Wii.   The new game is due for release in February 2011.  The first trailer will be released this Sunday on SPEED’s NASCAR RaceDay.

Speedway Illustrated Returns

JAYSKI – Speedway Illustrated is back on track. And some familiar names are in the driver’s seat, ready to steer it in the right direction. “Racing needs a quality magazine more than ever,” said Karl Fredrickson, publisher of Traction Media, which has acquired the rights to Speedway Illustrated and will resume its publishing schedule. For a decade, Speedway Illustrated has provided that quality. And after Formula Five, which had owned the magazine only since 2009, suspended publication last spring, Fredrickson immediately launched an effort to buy it. “It’s like a driver who decides to run his own team rather than drive for someone else,” said Fredrickson, who has been with Speedway Illustrated since it began in January 2000. “We care more about it because it’s more than just a business to us. Our reputations and our credibility are at stake. We don’t take that lightly.”
That means, among other things, that if you have an active subscription to Speedway Illustrated, Traction Media will honor it  even though it is under no obligation to do so. Said Fredrickson, “It’s about doing the right thing and treating people fairly.”
Back on board are Bones Bourcier, Joyce Standridge, Mike Adaskaveg, Lew Boyd, Rob Sneddon, J.A. Ackley, Dan Anderson, and the rest of the award-winning editorial team  including the magazine’s founder and namesake. Yes, Dick Berggren, who launched Dick Berggren’s Speedway Illustrated in 2000 but left the magazine in 2009, has returned. Fredrickson cautioned, “It’s not for everyone. If you think drawing yellows on purpose is acceptable, or that crate engines should be mandatory, or that age or looks or gender matter more than talent, then Speedway Illustrated probably isn’t for you. We will create magazines for people who pour their heart and soul into building a race car, and then think nothing of taking their pride and joy  and the most expensive investment they’ve got besides their house  and trying to squeeze it between moving steel and immovable concrete because they can’t stand the thought of finishing fourth when they might’ve finished third.
For details on how to subscribe  or for questions regarding your Speedway Illustrated subscription that you paid for under the previous owner  go to www.speedwayillustrated.com.(Dick Berggren’s Speedway Illustrated)(9-28-2010)

Nationwide Musical Chairs

In the NASCAR Nationwide Series, a game of musical chair played out this week.  Trevor Bayne, whom had been driving for Diamond-Waltrip Racing, was released from that ride after DWR could not meet a contractual obligation to secure sponsorship for next season.  Afterward, DWR announced that Martin Truex Jr., and Ryan Truex will share the 99 car for the remainder of the 2010 season.  Bayne was scooped up by Roush Racing and will drive the number 17 car this weekend in Kansas.

Also in the garage area, with aqusition of Braun Racing by Turner Motorsports, new owner Steve Turner has decided to release car 11 driver Brain Scott.  He will replace the rookie driver with new rookies James Buescher and Ricky Carmichael.  Carmichael will drive the car, with sponsorship from Monster Energy Drink, this Saturday in Kansas.  Scott, will move onto drive the 09 car for RAB after driver Jon Wes Townley as gone MIA from the NASCAR scene.  Scott is expected to finish out the season in the 09.

Jimmy Joe’s NASCAR Update Price Chopper 400 Preview

My Take: Jeremy Mayfield Suspension

Jeremy Mayfield, veteran driver in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, was suspended on Saturday following a failed drug test administered by NASCAR at Richmond. This is the first such offense by Mayfield, who was only one of three NASCAR licensed members to be declared in violation of NASCAR’s substance abuse policy.

Mayfield issued a statement latter that day stating that he has imense respect for the sanctioning body [NASCAR], and that he believes that the failed test is the result of a combination of prescribed and over-the-counter medication. He went on say that he is working with his doctor on the matter.

Here is my take. If, in fact, Mayfield is found to be abusing illicit drugs such as cocaine or pot, the of course the suspension should stand. However, if it is discovered that the results are due to medication that was intended to help him recover from a sickness or other medical complication, then more leniency should be taken. If it is found that he is abusing the medication, then the suspension should stand. I feel as though in this instance, there has been a misunderstanding, and while I agree with a zero tolerance on drugs in NASCAR, there should also be room to allow for normal medication. I do not think that Jeremy Mayfield is a drug addict. I think NASCAR will be lifting this suspension relatively fast. That’s my take.

Daniel Vining >> dan@danielvining.com

Mayfield Suspended; Issues Statement

 

#41 Jeremy Mayfield

#41 Jeremy Mayfield

NASCAR Sprint Cup veteran Jeremy Mayfield, along with two other NASCAR team members, has been suspended indefinitely by NASCAR under violations of the sanctioning bodies substance abuse policy.  Mayfield, Tony Martin, a licensed crew member for the No. 34 Sprint Cup team, and Ben Williams, a licensed crew member for the No. 16 Nationwide team were tested last weekend at Richmond, VA.  

 

NASCAR Official Jim Hunter announced the suspensions today at Darlington Speedway.

“NASCAR has one of the toughest substance abuse policies in all of sports,” Hunter said. “It’s all about safety and competition. A positive result means an indefinite suspension from all competition.

“The implementation of the random testing aspect of this program has been welcomed by the drivers, owners and other competitors in the sport.”

Mayfield issued a statement today following up on NASCAR’s decision saying that he believes that there was a reaction to a combination of prescription and over-the-counter medication.

“As both a team owner and a driver in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, I have immense respect for the enforcement policies NASCAR has in place. In my case, I believe that the combination of a prescribed medicine and an over the counter medicine reacted together and resulted in a positive drug test. My doctor and I are working with both Dr. Black and NASCAR to resolve this matter.”

“Mayfield Motorsports remains committed to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and the organization will announce an interim owner and a temporary replacement driver early next week. Those roles will commence immediately beginning with next week’s Sprint Open and continuing through Charlotte and beyond.”

Jeremy Mayfield has been a regular in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for over 15 years, with his first start coming in 1992.  His first win came in the 1998 Pocono 500, beating out Dale Earnhardt Sr.  To date, he has five total wins.

This news comes on the heels of the recent death of another former NASCAR driver, Kevin Grubb.  Grubb, who took his own life on May 6, 2009, drove 174 races in the then NASCAR Busch Series for various teams.  He too, was suspended indefinitely for substance abuse in 2006.

There has not been any word about the other two licensed crew members.