The auto racing world is still abuzz over the suspension handed to NASCAR driver AJ Allmendinger following his failed drug test.
Yeah, in case you didn't know, the sport's governing bodies have implemented a series of random drug-testing procedures.
The FIA even uses the same prohibited substances list as the International Olympic Committee (IOC), meaning that Formula 1 drivers such as Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton undergo the same tests as Olympic athletes. Said list not only includes all drug types but also anabolic steroids and amphetamine.
No F1 driver has ever failed a drug test in the 15+ years since the program was instituted, although Czech Republic's Tomas Enge was found guilty of using marijuana in 2002, which prompted the FIA to strip him of his Formula 3000 title.
What's even more puzzling is Enge's other failed test last month. The FIA GT1 driver explained that he had long-term heart problems and recently asked series officials for an exemption. The investigation is still underway.
The problem is more widespread here in North America. It seems that countless team members from major NASCAR classes have been caught using soft drugs, mostly marijuana.
In addition to Allmendinger, Jeremy Mayfield failed a doping test a few years ago. However, he quickly went to the courts to try to prove that he was clean.
There is also Shane Hmiel, who was banned for life from NASCAR after failing a third test.
But why on Earth would race car drivers even want to use these drugs? For the record, no one has ever been caught using stimulants like cocaine since auto racing demands poise and precision. Some individuals may have a tough time handling the stress of the competition, though, so they turn to soft drugs to calm their nerves before a race.
Legend has it that a number of endurance and rally drivers drank a glass of wine in order to feel a bit more relaxed when stepping behind the wheel!
Just like on the road, there are some who put other people's lives in danger on the track by driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. When will they learn the lesson?
Maybe the punishment still doesn't fit the crime...
Yeah, in case you didn't know, the sport's governing bodies have implemented a series of random drug-testing procedures.
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| Photo: NASCAR |
The FIA even uses the same prohibited substances list as the International Olympic Committee (IOC), meaning that Formula 1 drivers such as Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton undergo the same tests as Olympic athletes. Said list not only includes all drug types but also anabolic steroids and amphetamine.
No F1 driver has ever failed a drug test in the 15+ years since the program was instituted, although Czech Republic's Tomas Enge was found guilty of using marijuana in 2002, which prompted the FIA to strip him of his Formula 3000 title.
What's even more puzzling is Enge's other failed test last month. The FIA GT1 driver explained that he had long-term heart problems and recently asked series officials for an exemption. The investigation is still underway.
The problem is more widespread here in North America. It seems that countless team members from major NASCAR classes have been caught using soft drugs, mostly marijuana.
In addition to Allmendinger, Jeremy Mayfield failed a doping test a few years ago. However, he quickly went to the courts to try to prove that he was clean.
There is also Shane Hmiel, who was banned for life from NASCAR after failing a third test.
But why on Earth would race car drivers even want to use these drugs? For the record, no one has ever been caught using stimulants like cocaine since auto racing demands poise and precision. Some individuals may have a tough time handling the stress of the competition, though, so they turn to soft drugs to calm their nerves before a race.
Legend has it that a number of endurance and rally drivers drank a glass of wine in order to feel a bit more relaxed when stepping behind the wheel!
Just like on the road, there are some who put other people's lives in danger on the track by driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. When will they learn the lesson?
Maybe the punishment still doesn't fit the crime...