INDIANAPOLIS — Racing at more than 200 mph is tough enough. No one wants to find themselves wheel to wheel with someone who’s under the influence of drugs.
“If we’re out there driving at those speeds,” said Ryan Hunter-Reay, who will start from the final row in Sunday’s Indianapolis 500, “it’s good to know everyone has a clear head.”
The Indy Racing League conducts random drug-testing under a policy that was beefed up before the 2008 season.
On Thursday, the entire 33-driver field for the Indy 500 was in general agreement that the testing procedures for open-wheel racing are sufficient to weed out anyone who uses recreational drugs. Still, there was a wide range of debate on the touchy subject.
Graham Rahal said he would like to have more random testing. Oriol Servia believes there should be just as much emphasis on performance-enhancing drugs as there is on mind-altering substances. And longtime driver Davey Hamilton said there’s little doubt he’s raced against guys who were under the influence during his career.
The survey found at least nine drivers have been randomly tested this year, while 20 said they haven’t been screened since their preseason physical. The other five drivers said they couldn’t remember when they had their last test or refused to answer.
“We don’t get tested nearly that often,” said Rahal, son of former IndyCar champion Bobby Rahal and one of the up-and-coming stars in the series. “I don’t think it would be a bad thing to do more testing. I’m kind of curious to see if anybody is messing around.”
• Larry Rice, who shared Indy 500 rookie-of-the-year honors in 1978 with Rick Mears, died of lung cancer Wednesday in Brownsburg, Ind. He was 63.
Newman wins pole for 600
CONCORD, N.C. — Ryan Newman turned a lap at 188.475 mph to grab the top starting spot for the Coca-Cola 600.
Kyle Busch will start second Sunday in NASCAR’s longest race after a lap of 188.258.
The Associated Press
