SO YOU'RE racing side-by-side at about 180 mph and the next day you learn that the driver next to you was gulping a drug cocktail. Makes you uncomfortable, right?

Actually, it makes you want to punch that driver's lights out. Racing at high speeds is risky enough without having a driver higher than the scoring tower.

When Jeremy Mayfield was suspended recently for testing positive for a banned substance, it caused concern throughout NASCAR. Said four-time Sprint Cup series champion Jeff Gordon: "I think it's very unfortunate for the sport and for Jeremy and for everybody because it definitely puts a black eye on it."

NASCAR has a tough testing program. Drivers and crew members are tested several times during the year. If they are using banned substances, it's pretty certain they will be caught.

Since NASCAR would not reveal which substance Mayfield tested positive for, I have no idea what it is. Mayfield, 39, says it was a combination of a prescription drug and over-the-counter medicine that caused a positive reaction in testing.

Dr. David Black, NASCAR's substance-abuse consultant and CEO of the Aegie Sciences Corp., which runs the testing program, has rejected Mayfield's explanation. Black also has said he specifically identified the drug in several conversations with Mayfield, who has said he was not told what he tested positive for.

I think Mayfield is savvy enough, at this stage of his career, not to recklessly risk suspension from NASCAR. Without a ride at the start of the season, he launched Mayfield Motorsports. He qualified for the Daytona 500, but since then has qualified for just four races.

Mayfield is best remembered in this area for gaining his first Cup series victory in 1998 at Pocono Raceway driving for Penske Racing.

Jeff Burton suggests that drivers be proactive any time they are taking medication or nutritional supplements. Referring to Black, Burton said prior to last Saturday's all-star race, "I have Dr. Black's cell phone number. If I go to a physician, I call Dr. Black and tell him what the physician [has prescribed]. You better be proactive. It's your life, your career."

While Burton, sixth in the points standings, says he hates being tested, he adds, "We've said as drivers we want positive enforcement. We want strict drug-testing."

Both Burton and Tony Stewart are content with NASCAR's role in testing.

"It's not our job to police the other drivers," said Stewart, second in points. "NASCAR is there to police that for us."

Burton said the drivers feel that NASCAR officials listen to them. But everyone knows who runs the show.

"My opinion is heard," Burton said, "but I don't get a vote. I know they're going to do whatever is in NASCAR's best interests."

Saxton an award winner

 

Congratulations to longtime friend Ernie Saxton for receiving the Leonard J. Sammons Memorial Award for outstanding contributions to motor sports. Saxton, a man-about-Philadelphia-area auto racing, will accept the award Sunday during the 18th annual Northeast Modified Hall of Fame inductions at the Cayuga County (N.Y.) Fairgrounds.

One of Saxton's major racing involvements has been serving as president of the Eastern Motorsports Press Association for what seems like forever.

Fords featured

 

The Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum continues its demonstration days of vintage racing sports cars on Saturday with "Ford Glory Days." Starting at noon, the Ford MK II and IV and the Cobra Daytona will be driven in the museum's lot at 6825 Norwitch Drive, directly behind the Airport Automall. For more information, check www.simeonemuseum.org. *

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