Truth & Rumors > Auto Racing

Loopholes in NASCAR's drug testing

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There are two guiding principles one must always keep in mind when dealing with NASCAR on any significant issue. Rule No. 1 is that whenever possible NASCAR finds a way for somebody else to pick up the tab. Any program or initiative where a team, a manufacturer or a sponsor can be cornered into paying the bills has an infinitely better chance of being implemented than one where NASCAR has to write a check. Rule No. 2 is that NASCAR loves and maniacally defends its control over the sport. It is only slightly less likely to spend its own money than it is to let anything -- even a black-and-white rule in its own rulebook -- dictate how it handles a given situation. NASCAR always likes to leave itself wiggle room. The latter rule is clearly in play in regard to changes to NASCAR???s substance abuse policy announced here Saturday morning. The new policy goes into effect for the 2009 season. All drivers in the Cup, Nationwide and Truck Series as well as all NASCAR officials will be drug tested before the start of next season. Additionally, team owners must verify that they-ve had all licensed crew members tested by a certified lab before the new season begins. Drivers, over-the-wall crew members and officials will thereafter be subjected to random testing. At least two drivers, two over-the-wall crew members and two officials will be tested per series per race weekend. So if all three series are running on a given weekend, a minimum of 18 tests will be administered. The NASCAR policy is that the misuse or abuse of any drug is prohibited. NASCAR-s press release Saturday said, "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." Of course, that also means that NASCAR has the discretion to decide that a positive test for any drug doesn???t necessarily constitute that abuse or misuse. That's where the control principle kicks in.

Charlotte Observer

NASCAR, Doug Benc/Getty Images NASCAR, Doug Benc/Getty Images

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September 21, 2008  10:33 AM ET
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When they find a few positive results, they will increase testing. A Company or Corp. never admits they have a problem at first. You look at it in a positive light and IF you find some abuse, you can claim that you never suspected.

September 21, 2008  11:18 AM ET
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But what drugs are they 'testing' for? The hard stuff, sure, but what about steroids? Or pain medication? I guess Clariton is okay since they are a sponsor. In fact, that's the easiest way to beat this. If you are a drug company, sponsor a car. Then you're free and clear. NASCAR will NEVER ban you if you give them money.

September 21, 2008  12:30 PM ET
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"NASCAR has the discretion to decide that a positive test for any drug doesn't"

If I were Nascar, (and I'm not because I'm setting here talking to you guys), But don't you think they should put the the decision on a independent contractor? Give Them a set of rules, and if your dirty, you don't race, end of story. OR, do they think they have to have the "deciding' control to the very end?

Morning All!

September 21, 2008  12:43 PM ET
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The first person i'd test would be old horse face. Working out 3 hours a day is alot and people say oh look at the work ethic but remember Clemens and Bonds and McGwire they did that too but to work out that long and how many times a week you need some nice juice to do that. Also how can you have muscle definition in your face?

September 21, 2008  03:47 PM ET
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Michael Waltrip isn't the worst driver in NASCAR. It's Robby Gordon. He just wrecked McMurray.

September 21, 2008  04:48 PM ET
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Thank you Rick ^5....Mikey has been doing not bad lately.....so has Rueti......UPS left Rueti too soon I think.
As for the topic....I wonder how Tony feels about his car being used for the subject matter....Is someone trying to imply something or is this just SI sloppiness?....LOL

September 21, 2008  06:28 PM ET
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Mikey got a top 10 today. Had a good car the whole race. One of the most exciting races of the year.

September 21, 2008  10:25 PM ET
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I agree and he got the top ten by consistent driving as opposed to a fluke.....his whole team did well....Rueti was 17th and the rookie McDowell was 29th.

September 22, 2008  06:40 AM ET
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Why is there a picture of Tony Stewart's crew on this article?

September 22, 2008  06:52 AM ET
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Nascar is the WWE with wheels, a bigger carnival than Barnum Bailey. It's sad to see what used to be fun to watch racing turn into musical chairs. WAKE UP NASCAR OFFICIALS>
you are starting to lose fans

September 22, 2008  11:49 AM ET
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They used Tony's car cause they figure he's on crack for signing Whinin Ryan

September 22, 2008  12:20 PM ET
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Wonder if they'll test for Viagra...<lol>. I don't see any issue with their policy..guess we'll see how it shakes out next season, huh? The 88 was a mess...he's lucky they picked up a 24th place finish!! Sheesh..4th to 10th in points?

September 22, 2008  05:58 PM ET
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QUOTE(#11):
Originally posted 11:49 AM ET  09.22 by IamRightYouAreWrong

They used Tony's car cause they figure he's on crack for signing Whinin Ryan

Tony,,, on Crack???? Have you seen how many wedges it takes to get his fat body into the car? LOL

 
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