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…Â Details
Points leader Tony Stewart was awarded the pole for Saturday night’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 last 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 …Â Details
1. Ten races to go ’til the Chase. Who gets in? Who misses out?
Joe Menzer: I think Juan Montoya sneaks in. The dude is actually points racing these days, which seems to go against the very fiber of his being. I’m not sure how I feel about that [actually, I know … I’m against it]. But it may get him in.
Raygan Swan: Well, beyond the obvious drivers who make it, if Clint Bowyer can get his act together I see him possibly making a comeback to beat out Kasey Kahne. And I really believe Montoya will make it in this year with another strong finish at the Brickyard.
David Caraviello: I think the 12 we have now are basically …Â Details
Richard Petty was scheduled to lead the first lap July 4 for the Firecracker 400 at Daytona International Speedway much as he led the last lap 25 years ago on the same day.
The difference is that this year he was expected to drive a replica of his famous No. 43 STP-sponsored Pontiac for the pace laps, the same car he drove to victory in arguably the biggest race in NASCAR history in 1984.
Petty, 71, was set to pace the field for the start of the 37th Annual Firecracker 400, now called the Coke Zero 400.
He won the same race exactly 25 years ago, his epic 200th career NASCAR victory in front of then-president Ronald Reagan, finishing in bizarre fashion under caution…Â Details