Crew member suspended over drugs

Paul Chodora, who worked for the newly-formed Sprint Cup outfit of driver Jeremy Mayfield, tested positive on February 11th while teams were taking part in events ahead of the season-opener Daytona 500.

NASCAR has implemented a series of tests for drivers and crew members including a preseason one and others done randomly during the season. These are part of a new substance abuse policy that the ruling body is enforcing this year.

Mayfield Motorsports accepted Chodora's suspension and underlined their commitment to operate in conformity with NASCAR rules.

"Mayfield Motorsports respects the decision by NASCAR to indefinitely suspend Paul Chodora," team owner Jeremy Mayfield said in a statement.

"We as an organisation appreciate NASCAR's drug testing policies and policing efforts as it makes the sport stronger overall. If Paul doesn't comply with NASCAR's reinstatement process, then he will no longer be an employee of Mayfield Motorsports."

Mayfield qualified for the Daytona 500 through the Gatorade Duels and finished the race back in 40th place.