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Jeremy Mayfield tested positive for methamphetamine, ESPN the Magazine reports, citing two unidentified sources.

NASCAR has not revealed the drug that caused Mayfield to fail a test taken last month at Richmond International Raceway, but Chairman Brian France described the violation as "serious" May 15. Mayfield denied using an illegal drug May 16.

Neither side can further comment because of a gag order issued by the court.

Mayfield's lawsuit against NASCAR contends that he tested positive for amphetamines, stating it was the result of a prescription for Adderall-XR, a drug used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Mayfield's lawsuit also states that he took Claritin-D, an over-the-counter allergy medicine. The lawsuit states he took two pills the day before the test.

In a countersuit filed earlier this month in U.S. District Court, NASCAR cited the affects of the unnamed drug, stating that it is "a dangerous and highly addictive drug. &ellipses; Use of the drug may impair a person's driving skills, cognitive functioning, and judgment, and creates the risk of great harm to NASCAR drivers, team officials and spectators.

"(Redacted drug) use may cause excessive aggression or exaggerated self-confidence as well as numerous other physical and mental side-effects detrimental to the health and safety of a stock car driver."

The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that methamphetamine is "very addictive" and affects the central nervous system. The drug increases the release of high levels of the brain chemical dopamine, which is involved in motivation, the experience of pleasure and motor function.

The National Institute of Drug Abuse also states that "chronic methamphetamine abuse significantly changes how the brain functions &ellipses; associated with reduced motor performance and impaired verbal learning."

In court documents, NASCAR notes that Mayfield "has been in three accidents in the five Sprint Cup Series races in which he has participated in 2009, including accidents in races in which Mayfield (a) tested positive for the illegal drug; (b) was under the influence of a drug he failed to report to NASCAR and/or (c) was under the influence of a combination of drugs which exceeded the acceptable safe levels under NASCAR's Substance Abuse Policy."

The drug NASCAR alleges Mayfield tested positive for is redacted in court documents.

Mayfield has not been allowed to compete since the Richmond race on May 2. He competed in five Sprint Cup races with a best finish of 32nd at Talladega. He has driven in 433 Cup races in his career with five victories. His last win came at Michigan in Aug. 2005. Mayfield's team is not entered in this weekend's race at Michigan.

Contact Dustin Long at 373-7062 or dustin.long@news-record.com