NASCAR asks to move Mayfield case to federal court

NASCAR on Tuesday moved Jeremy Mayfield's challenge of his indefinite suspension to federal court, a move that could keep the driver out of his car another week. The notification came a day before a North Carolina Superior Court was scheduled to hear arguments pertaining to Mayfield's suspension for failing a random drug test. NASCAR's action automatically stayed that proceeding. Mayfield had hoped a judge would reinstate him in time to compete this weekend at Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania. His attorneys will now have to either fight the suspension in federal court, or petition the case be moved back to the state level.

"Administration of NASCAR's substance abuse policy extends to every state in which it races, which is why the logical forum is federal court," NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said. NASCAR has not revealed what substance Mayfield tested positive for, but his attorneys said in court he tested positive for amphetamines. Bridges warned both sides not to discuss Mayfield's test results. Associated Press