May 12, 2008

NASCAR Changes Tune on Drugs

Yes, we are happy to report, there is a learning curve at NASCAR. Previously we and numerous others, including Sprint Cup driver Kevin Harvick and several of his peers within the sport, have criticized the race-sanctioning body for its policy on drug use, which was essentially not much of a policy at all. Instead of policing its own, NASCAR has traditionally relied on its teams to be the first line of defense against drug use. But now, happily, that could change, because NASCAR has seemingly seen the light.

The sport took a heavy body blow when it was revealed that Aaron Fike, who drove in one of NASCAR’s minor league series, had sometimes taken the wheel of his racecar on days in which he had done heroin. While no proof has ever been offered that he was under the influence of the drug while at the wheel, just the thought of that is chilling enough to prompt a new look at a drug policy that seems not to work. The Fike revelation immediately set off alarms, and several NASCAR drivers quickly called for a NASCAR-wide random drug-testing procedure.

Now NASCAR President Brian France has appointed what is being termed an “interim committee” to study its drug policy and look for new ways to reassure the racers and fans that an Aaron Fike situation -- or worse -- will not happen in the future. Among the things the committee is considering, according to an Associated Press report, is the possible hiring of a drug abuse expert -- we hear Fike might be available -- and more pointedly, the potential implementation of a sport-wide random drug-testing policy.

In the wake of this apparent change of heart in NASCAR, we can only say hooray and hope that the committee moves forward to put in place a drug-use-prevention program that has real teeth. As we have mentioned in this space before, each and every NASCAR driver and pit crew member relies on his peers to do the right thing when it comes to safety in what is a life-threatening sport. Having to fear drivers under the influence of drugs is not something any of them should have to deal with.

We applaud the fact that NASCAR is re-examining its drug policy, and we look forward to a positive recommendation for changes from its internal committee.  We feel that the price of inaction could be very, very high.