NASCAR Chair France Addresses Issues Facing Sport

July 3, 2009 2:47 p.m. EST

Daytona Beach, FL (AHN) - NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France addressed the media Friday afternoon in the infield media center at Daytona International Speedway and discussed the issues facing the sport.

France, the third generation of Frances to run the family business, addressed various issues, but the lead topic of discuss was Jeremy Mayfield and NASCAR's drug testing policy.

Mayfield was issued an injunction in U.S. District Court two days ago that allows him to return to the track despite being suspended via NASCAR's substance abuse policy.

"We're disappointed with the ruling. We've also been asked by the judge not to talk in excess of the ruling. We're reviewing many options, including appeals. Our first responsibility, despite the ruling on Wednesday, is we're going to make sure that everyone driving these race cars are of a clear mind,'' said France. "There's more than one way to make the appellate process. Either way, we will be defending the policy.''

Mayfield, who despite Wednesday's ruling has yet to be seen at the track this week, has maintained his innocence for two months despite testing positive for methamphetamines.

When asked about the accuracy of NASCAR's testing and it's policy, France said the policy has been upgraded -- in the past month -- and that they stand by its accuracy. "We're not going to lay the hammer down and ruin someone's career. You know what Jeremy tested for. People frequently test positive for one thing or another. It's very rare though that we do a suspension,'' said France. "We remain very confident that our policy is very thorough, accurate and fair. We will be defending this policy very vigorously in the future.''

France also addressed the possibility of new manufacturers joining NASCAR, along with falling television ratings and ticket sales due to the economy.