Nascar Update Drug Policy 1/2010

NASCAR has an extensive list of banned substances in its 2010 rule book, which also states that the list is “non-exhaustive.”


One of the criticisms of the NASCAR random drug-testing policy implemented in 2009 was that there was no definitive list. NASCAR sent a list to the teams in December 2008 to use as a guideline in testing crewmen, but the policy itself had no definitive list. Not having a list is one of the reasons suspended driver Jeremy Mayfield claims he should be reinstated in a lawsuit against the sanctioning body and policy administrator Aegis Sciences Corporation.

The drug-testing policy is now part of the NASCAR rule book, while before it was a document signed by the driver, who acknowledged understanding the policy, when getting a NASCAR license.

“Prohibited substances are those substances that, in Aegis’s determination in consultation with NASCAR, may adversely affect the safety and well-being of the Competitors, Officials, and/or spectators, or the performance of a Competitor or Official in or at a NASCAR Event, including without limitation illegal drugs,” the rule book states. “Aegis, in consultation with NASCAR, may make this determination with respect to a particular substance at any time, including and without limitation at the time of discovery of the substance following a drug test.”
The rule states that competitors and officials are prohibited from using, possessing, purchasing, selling or participating in the distribution of any illegal drug, regardless of the amount. Illegal possession and distribution of prescription or over-the-counter medication is also prohibited.

The rule book lists banned drugs that might not fall under that category. It also notes that derivatives of the prohibited drugs are not allowed and that the list is not exhaustive.

Among the drugs listed:

• Stimulants, such as amphetamine, methamphetamine, Ecstasy (MDMA), Eve (MDEA) and Phentermine.
• Narcotic analgesics, such as hydromorphone, methadone, morphine, oxycodone, oxymorphone, heroin, codeine and hydrocodone.
• Ephedrine, such as pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine if used in a manner inconsistent with the instructions provided by the drug manufacturer or in a manner or amount that risks the health, safety or impairs a driver.
• Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam (Ativan), oxazapam (Serax), temazepam (Restoril), Alpha-hydroxyalprazolam (Xanax) and Nordiazepam (Valium).
• Barbituates, such as amobarbital (Amytal) and secobarbital (Seconal).
• Performance enhancing drugs, such as Human Growth Hormone (hGH), as well as anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), including testosterone.
• Muscle relaxers, such as carisoprodol (Soma), meprobamate (Miltown, Meprospan).
• Sleep aids, such as zolpidem (Ambien)
• Beta blockers, such as alpernolol and carteolol.
• Alcohol: A competitor is prohibited from consuming any alcohol 12 hours prior to or during on-track activity. A driver is considered unfit if the blood-alcohol level is above 20 milligrams per 100 milliliters (0.02 percent).
• Dietary supplements with a warning advising non-use if the purchaser is subject to a drug-testing program even though available without a prescription.
• Masking agents designed to avoid detection, including Aromatase inhibitors that may be used to biologically manipulate the testosterone/epitestosterone ratio, and/or using epitestosterone to artificially alter the testosterone/epitestosterone ratio.

Nascar 2010: Spoiler specifications

Spoiler Specs Announced: Specifications for the new spoiler and quarterpanels on Sprint Cup cars were sent in a memo Monday to teams by series director John Darby. According to the memo the spoiler that will replace the current wing will sit 4 inches atop the deck lid when measured from the centerline. The spoiler will be level across the top with a ground clearance of 43.52 inches from the top of the spoiler to the ground with the chassis on 6- and 8-inch blocks. The spoiler will be 64½-inches wide and one piece from right to left. It will be fabricated from 3/16-inch thick aluminum and fixed at 70 degrees. The fuel filler hole must be relocated forward of the left lower tip of the spoiler. Also, right and left quarterpanel extensions will be added to all cars. The extensions will be 4 inches long toward the ground at the rear wheel opening. The modifications, according to the memo, are not to be used in competition until all wind tunnel and on-track tests are completed. An open test [at Charlotte] is scheduled for all teams in March. The changes are being made in hopes of improving downforce and improving the quality of racing. They are not expected to be used for the Daytona 500 that kicks off the season on Feb. 14. The Bristol race in March is a more likely target

NASCAR:FLAGS 101

Long before two-way radios were installed in cars to allow drivers and crews to talk with each other, the only way for racing officials to communicate with drivers during noisy racing action was with the use of colored signal flags.

Nearly every racing series in the United States uses the same combination of flag colors, usually waved by a flagman on a platform at the start-finish line, so drivers know immediately what's happening during the race.
Just like the green, yellow and red signal lights at a traffic intersection, some of the flags communicate racing conditions.
GREEN: The track is clear and cars may proceed at speed. This flag is used to signal the beginning of the race and any restarts.
YELLOW (CAUTION): The track is not clear, slow down and hold your position behind the pace car. This flag is used to signal an accident, debris caused by contact or mechanical failure, or weather-related issues. NASCAR rules allow cars to bunch up behind the leader. In most cases, lead-lap cars restart in the outside lane, while any lapped cars restart to the inside. In addition, a yellow flag during a practice session means cars should go to pits immediately.
RED: The track is unsafe and there is a situation that requires immediate attention. Cars must go to a designated location and stop. This flag is usually waved in cases of heavy precipitation, an accident which requires immediate medical assistance or if the track is blocked. In addition, NASCAR reserves the right to throw a red flag in the closing laps of a race to make sure the event ends under green conditions.
WHITE: There is one lap remaining in the scheduled distance.
CHECKERED: The event has reached its scheduled distance and is complete.
In addition, there are flags that communicate information.
BLACK: Come into the pits immediately for consultation. Normally, this flag is waved at an individual car, either because it has a mechanical problem or has broken a rule. Waved in combination with a red flag signals the end of a practice session.
BLACK WITH WHITE CROSS: Cars that refuse to acknowledge the black flag are shown this flag, which means NASCAR will no longer score them until they come into the pits for consultation.
BLUE WITH YELLOW STRIPE: Pay attention to your mirrors, because a faster car is approaching from behind. Contrary to popular opinion, this flag does not make it mandatory that slower cars must move over for the leader of the race. This flag gets a workout at tracks like Bristol and Martinsville, where traffic becomes a major factor.
YELLOW WITH RED VERTICAL STRIPES: Used only on road courses by corner workers, held or waved to signify debris or slippery conditions ahead.