NASCAR toughens drug testing

Drivers and crew members will be subject to random checks.

DOVER, Del. (AP) — 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 kicks in at 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 on Saturday. “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, noted that other professional leagues have changed their drug policies to adapt to perceived problems.

“We know there’s new drugs out there every day,” O’Donnell said. “By having a broad policy that doesn’t list anything, we feel like we can test for any substance that may be abused.”

O’Donnell 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 told teams of the stricter policy at a mandatory meeting Saturday at Dover International Speedway. Teams in the Craftsman Truck Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway also were notified of the changes.

“If you’re going to say you’re a clean sport, you’ve got to have it through the entire sport,” Chase driver Denny Hamlin said. “You can’t just have it with the drivers, so I think that’s going to be a great thing.”

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