CONCORD — Jeremy Mayfield denied Saturday that an illegal drug caused his positive drug test, says NASCAR has not informed him what they found in his system and hints at legal action.
NASCAR indefinitely suspended Mayfield after he failed a drug test. Series officials announced his penalty before last weekend's Southern 500.
NASCAR Chairman Brian France indicated Friday that Mayfield was suspended for either a performance-enhancing or recreational drug without revealing what caused the positive drug test.
"They've indicated something different every day of the week," Mayfield said in response to France's comment. "All I can tell you is look at me, I'm alive and well."
Mayfield said Saturday night at Lowe's Motor Speedway that he would like to see the results of his drug test but has not seen anything.
Asked if he denied using illegal drugs in the last month, Mayfield said, "Yeah, I'm denying it."
Mayfield said he takes a legal prescription drug, which he would not reveal. He said he had "really, really bad" allergies at Richmond — where he was randomly tested under NASCAR's new substance abuse policy — and took two Claritin-D tablets.
"That's the honest-to-God truth," Mayfield said.
Asked if he had hired legal representation, Mayfield said: "What would you do?"
NASCAR officials have stated that Mayfield's return would be based on following a rehabilitation program set up by medical officials.
"I'm not going to rehabilitation," Mayfield said. "Why would I?"
He also said that he's contacted an independent lab since and has been tested. He would not reveal the test results Saturday.
"You will see them, I promise," Mayfield said.
Mayfield is barred from driving and being listed as the car owner of his team. J.J. Yeley is driving for the team and Mayfield's wife, Shana, is listed as the car owner.
"I'm labeled now," Mayfield said of becoming the first Sprint Cup driver to be suspended under NASCAR's revamped substance abuse policy. "The damage is done."
NASCAR did not offer a comment to Mayfield's statements as of deadline.
Mayfield watched Saturday night's events from atop a hospitality tent in the infield. Although on suspension, he's barred only from NASCAR-controlled areas such as the garage and pits. He can be elsewhere at the track but cannot have direct contact with his team.
SPRINT SHOWDOWN: Sam Hornish Jr. won the Sprint Showdown to earn a transfer spot into NASCAR's All-Star race.
It's the second consecutive year Hornish has raced his way into the $1 million main event at Lowe's Motor Speedway. He finished second a year ago to AJ Allmendinger to earn one of the two transfer spots.
Jamie McMurray finished second to earn the other transfer position.
Joey Logano was the third driver to advance into the race in the slot reserved for a driver voted into the All-Star race by fans.
PIT STOPS: Kevin Harvick won the burnout competition Saturday at Lowe's Motor Speedway, beating Kasey Kahne. ... Tickets for the Sept. 12 Cup race at Richmond went on sale Saturday. Tickets start at $40 and can be purchased at www.rir.com or by calling (866) 455-7223. ... Dover International Speedway has completed construction on its new, longer and wider pit road. Dover had been known for having one of the tightest pit roads on the circuit. ... NASCAR's Limited Sportsman division has added a race at Martinsville Speedway on Sept. 27. It will be a part of a doubleheader of races with the NASCAR Whelen Modified series that day.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Contact Dustin Long at 373-7062 or dustin.long@news-record.com
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