The Curious Case of Jeremy Mayfield

His name has come and gone numerous times since 2009. Every time his name returns to the news it is never linked to him being in a race car. And for the most part what comes out continues to move more and more to the strange side of the spectrum.

So should we be surprised that Jeremy Mayfield decided to call into an MRN radio show that had NASCAR Chairman Brian France. He did not call to berate France, or tear down the sport of NASCAR in retribution for his suspension for a failed drug test in 2009. In fact he called in to see what it would take to return to racing in a NASCAR series.

"Jeremy, you know the path back for you is the path back for anybody." That was the reply from France, who knew the upcoming call was from Mayfield, and agreed to take it.

Mayfield's case is even more interesting, not so much because of the further legal trouble he has found himself in, but because another driver, A.J. Allmendinger was suspended by NASCAR for failing a drug test in July. Allmendinger quickly went through the path France spoke about Tuesday night with Mayfield. The Road To Recovery program is simply what it says. An opportunity for a person failing a NASCAR drug test the ability and opportunity to end their suspension through a process that does not embarrass them, but helps them in the end.

Allmendinger's case was somewhat like Mayfield. Many were surprised at his failed drug test. But instead of challenging NASCAR, and making numerous accusations as Mayfield did, Allmendinger learned what the drug was retraced his actions and realized his mistake. Then entered the Road To Recovery program and finished it very quickly. While he had lost his ride at Penske, a set of circumstances happened that opened up the seat in the Phoenix Racing 51 car toward the end of the season, and allowed him back into the sport.

So why did Mayfield take a direction that saw him take NASCAR to court, only to have the case eventually thrown out due to the lack of evidence among other things. Why take a tough situation and make it that much harder on everybody. He constantly has denied that he took methamphetamine saying it was a combination of a prescription drug and an allergy medicine. A combination that doctors say is not possible. He has said he does not need rehabilitation, however the Road To Recovery program does not necessarily mean you go to rehab.

He had an opportunity, and still has that opportunity to enter the program. However while he still has that chance, his chances have probably been greatly reduced that he will ever find himself in a quality ride at any of NASCAR's top three series. Reduced not because he failed a drug test, but because he chose to drag his, as well as NASCAR's name through the mud.

The whole situation is unfortunate, however it was a path that Jeremy Mayfield chose to take and until he realizes that NASCAR is not going to just open their doors up for him because of past time it will be the wrong path.