France defends NASCAR’s drug policy

France defends drug policy

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Brian France defended NASCAR's drug testing policy as the toughest in professional sports, despite a federal judge's ruling that overturned driver Jeremy Mayfield's suspension.

Mayfield was indefinitely suspended May 9 for what NASCAR said was a positive test for methamphetamines. He sued to be reinstated, and a federal judge issued an injunction Wednesday that allowed Mayfield to return to competition based on Mayfield's argument that NASCAR's testing system is flawed.

U.S. District Court Judge Graham Mullen questioned the test results, saying the possibility of a false positive was "quite substantial" and ruled the harm to Mayfield significantly outweighed the harm to NASCAR.

But NASCAR's chairman said the sport needs a tough system that bans impaired drivers from competition.

"We remain very comfortable and very calm despite the ruling, that our policy is thorough, it's accurate, and it's fair," France said yesterday at Daytona International Speedway, site of tonight's race.

"It's our responsibility to protect the drivers, the fans, other participants within the events. We have a very unique challenge relative to all sports, which is the inherent danger of somebody impaired on the racetrack."

Mayfield did not enter his car to race in tonight's event and would now only be able to compete as a NASCAR-approved relief driver.

Stewart on pole as qualifying rained out

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Points leader Tony Stewart was awarded the pole for tonight's race at Daytona International Speedway, getting the top spot when rain washed out Sprint Cup qualifying. It was Stewart's third pole -- all in rainouts -- in the past five races.

He also started up front at Pocono last month and New Hampshire last week. Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Kurt Busch and Carl Edwards rounded out the first three rows.

Petty says Hall class will be difficult

Richard Petty, the seven-time Cup series champion who is among the favorites to be named to the first class of NASCAR's Hall of Fame, said the selection process for that honor "should not be a popularity contest."

Petty was among 25 nominees announced for the first five-member class, which will be inducted next May in Charlotte.

"You know a lot of reporters and people today don't know a lot about [car owner] Raymond Parks, him winning the first championship, or [driver] Red Byron and him winning the first championship," Petty said.

-- From Wire Reports