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.
