INDIANAPOLIS — Jeremy Mayfield is back under suspension for a failed random drug test after an appeals court ruled in NASCAR’s favor Friday, issuing a stay on the injunction that gave the driver the right to return to the racetrack.
The one-page decision by the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals stands until NASCAR’s full appeal can be heard.
NASCAR appealed to the Richmond, Va., court after a federal judge on July 1 lifted Mayfield’s suspension based on the argument that the drug-testing system was flawed.
U.S. District Court Judge Graham Mullen still has NASCAR’s request before him to overturn his earlier decision based on its claim that Mayfield tested positive for methamphetamine a second time July 6.
Mayfield was suspended May 9 for failing a random test done eight days earlier, and NASCAR has said he tested positive for methamphetamine. Mayfield has denied using the illegal drug.
He is not entered in Sunday’s race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and has indicated he has no intention of returning to racing as he fights NASCAR. The last remaining employee at Mayfield Motorsports resigned last week, and Mayfield has not entered any events since Mullen’s ruling.
“We are pleased with the 4th Circuit Court’s ruling to reinstate NASCAR’s suspension of Jeremy Mayfield,” NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said. “This is an important decision for NASCAR to make fair and equitable regulations for the safety of competitors and spectators at the track. We will continue to respectfully make our case for as long as the litigation continues.”
Hornaday makes it four in a row
CLERMONT, Ind. — Ron Hornaday Jr. held off a late challenge from Mike Skinner to win the AAA Insurance 200, making him the first driver in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series to win four consecutive races.
The three-time series champion and Skinner ran side-by side several times in the final laps, but Hornaday held on.
“I didn’t think I could hold my breath that many laps, but I did,” Hornaday said.
Five drivers had shared the record of three wins in a row: Hornaday (1997 and 2009), Skinner (1996 and 2007), Greg Biffle (2000), Todd Bodine (2005) and Johnny Benson (2008).
“This is unbelievable,” Hornaday said. “This just says what this team’s all about.”
Caitlin Shaw, a 19-year-old driver making her trucks debut, lost control and backed into the Turn 3 retaining wall during the 38th lap. She returned and finished 24th.
Todd top qualifier in top fuel
SONOMA, Calif. — J.R. Todd raced to the qualifying lead in top fuel at the FRAM- Autolite NHRA Nationals at Infineon Raceway.
Todd, who won here in 2006 and is running a limited schedule this season for Bay Area team owner David Baca, powered his dragster to a 3.811-second run at 312.06 mph to lead the 16-car order.
Matt Hagan (funny car), Ron Krisher (pro stock) and Eddie Krawiec (pro stock motorcycle) also were qualifying leaders.
Ganassi uninterested in Patrick
INDIANAPOLIS — Chip Ganassi said he doesn’t believe he’s the right car owner to help Danica Patrick move to NASCAR, and he advised the driver to accomplish her goals in IndyCar before switching circuits.
“My counsel to her was she’s pretty close to making that last step in IndyCar racing, and she could easily do that in the next three or four years and still do (NASCAR),” said Ganassi, who owns race teams in IndyCar, NASCAR and Grand-Am. “She’s one of those athletes that she can make a lot of turns in her career today and will still be able to make other turns in the future. It’s up to her.”
Patrick is in the final year of her three-year IndyCar contract with Andretti-Green Racing, and has said she’ll wait until the end of the season to solidify her next move. She hasn’t ruled out a move to NASCAR. The Associated Press
