Jeremy Mayfield releases statement

UPDATE NASCAR driver Jeremy Mayfield's assertion that use of two allergy medicines led him to run afoul of the series' drug policy is not plausible, the person charged with running the program told USA TODAY.

"What we have is a clear violation of policy," said David Black, whose Tennessee-based Aegis Labs conducts NASCAR's random testing program. "In my many years of experience, I have never seen a violation like this due to the combination of over-the-counter or prescription products."

Black, citing NASCAR policy, declined to specify what caused Mayfield to test positive, saying it was "a drug of concern." NASCAR announced before Saturday's race at Darlington Raceway that Mayfield — the first driver tagged under the series' first-year mandatory testing program — had been suspended indefinitely. USA Today

05/09/09 NASCAR driver Jeremy Mayfield released a statement today after being suspended indefinitely for violating NASCAR's substance abuse policy.

"As both a team owner and a driver in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, I have immense respect for the enforcement policies NASCAR has in place. In my case, I believe that the combination of a prescribed medicine and an over the counter medicine reacted together and resulted in a positive drug test. My doctor and I are working with both Dr. Black and NASCAR to resolve this matter.

Mayfield Motorsports remains committed to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and the organization will announce an interim owner and a temporary replacement driver early next week. Those roles will commence immediately beginning with next week's Sprint Open and continuing through Charlotte and beyond." Pete McCole