Death of former NASCAR driver Kevin Grubb ruled a suicide

NASCAR driver Kevin Grubb committed suicide by a gunshot wound to the head, the state medical examiner determined yesterday.

Grubb, a native of Mechanicsville, was discovered by housekeepers at the Alpine Motel on the 7000 block on Brook Road at approximately 11:30 a.m. Wednesday.

There were no indications of drug use found inside the room, according to Henrico police Lt. Doug Perry. A toxicology test was performed on Grubb, whose abbreviated NASCAR career was marked by alleged substance abuse while competing in NASCAR's lower-tier divisions -- Busch Series (now Nationwide) and Craftsman Truck Series (now Camping World).

The police report indicates it may take up to six weeks before the toxicology results are released.

Recently, Grubb worked for his family's business, Richmond-based W.O. Grubb Crane. He was 31.

A family representative said yesterday, "The Grubb family appreciates the outpouring of support and prayers during their time of loss."

Grubb, whose last known residence was in Chesterfield County, hadn't competed in a NASCAR event since the sport's governing body suspended him indefinitely. He failed to submit to drug testing after he crashed during the September 2006 Busch Series race at Richmond International Raceway.

That had been Grubb's second violation of the sport's drug policy. He was first suspended in March 2004 for testing positive for banned substances. He was reinstated to drive in June 2006, then agreed to periodic drug testing.

As a teenager, Grubb competed at various central Virginia short tracks -- including Southside and South Boston speedways. Grubb began his NASCAR career driving four races for family-owned Grubb Motorsports in 1997.

"I spent a couple of years working with Kevin, and I probably saw a side of him that a lot of people aren't reading about," said Charlie Roakes, who in 2004 served as public relations representative for Grubb and Team Rensi Motorsports.

"It's been five years since I worked with him. Deep down, he was a wonderful kid, who was full of laughter and nice to be around. He ran into some obstacles that held him back. Even when he made his first return [from suspension] he was the same guy."

Grubb, who married in 2007, was scheduled to compete in 10 races for Team Rensi. But the plan fell through, in part, after he failed a substance-abuse test in March 2004. He returned to compete in five races for Mac Hill Motorsports in 2006 before the incident at RIR.

Brandon Hendrick, who races at Southside Speedway, said he last talked with Grubb in December. At the time, Hendrick said Grubb appeared content and had adjusted to life without racing.

"Whenever we talked, we rarely talked about anything other than sports," Hendrick said. "He was a big Philadelphia Eagles fan, and he always called when the Cowboys played the Eagles. The last time I saw him he looked great.

"I didn't want to bring up racing because I knew it bothered him. So, we just steered clear of it. I'm not sure if he put [racing] behind him."

His last NASCAR event was the RIR race in September 2006. He crashed on Lap 2 during the race. He was taken to the infield care center, where he was treated and released. Soon after, he reportedly refused to submit to a NASCAR drug test before he was released from the care center.

Grubb's only attempt in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series came in 2002 in the Pontiac Excitement 400 at RIR. Grubb, winless in 174 career Nationwide starts, failed to qualify with the No. 54 Team Bristol Motorsports Chevrolet.

"[Grubb] was fast. He was smart. He had the potential to be a great Cup driver," said Dick Conway, a longtime area NASCAR public relations representative.

Rick Houston, a freelance writer who befriended Grubb following his 2006 reinstatement, said Grubb was determined to overcome the drug abuse that stifled his driving career.

"When we talked it truly seemed like he had his act together," Houston said. "When it happened again, I really wanted to believe his story. That's the story a lot of people wanted to believe because everyone liked him.

Contact Ralph N. Paulk at (804) 852-7851 or .