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Over the last couple of years, there has been quite a bit of discussion on this website about Jeremy Mayfield’s situation.  The failed NASCAR drug tests and the subsequent lawsuits have been the topic of more than a few TNI blog posts.  And those posts attracted dozens of reader comments with some being good, some bad, and some ugly.  But now, with knowing what we know today, I’m wondering how many out there have changed their view of Mayfield and his predicament.  And can we finally say definitively that Mayfield has a problem?

From the very start, Mayfield has contended that he is innocent and his failed tests were caused by a mixture of medications.  The science of his argument never really added up, but that didn’t stop him from continuing to fight anyway.  Mayfield’s pursuit eventually spawned a lawsuit against NASCAR.  Years of litigation and ridiculous accusations aimed at the sport and it’s brass ensued.

At one point in the not too distance past, Mayfield literally had it all.  He was a young, attractive, rich, and talented race car driver with a boundless future in front of him.  Now, he faces a very difficult road.  Everyone is innocent until proven guilty, but Mayfield is in serious trouble here.  From the news reports there appears to be quite a bit of evidence against him, not only for the drugs, but for theft as well.  He is most likely facing some sort of jail sentence.

Jeremy Mayfield, welcome to rock bottom.

At the end of the day, I’m only left feeling bad for Mayfield and his family.  The guy clearly has problems and needs real help.  And what’s worse, is that all of this could have been avoided.  There were plenty of opportunities for him to make things right along the way, but he just wouldn’t give it up.  So instead of admitting he has what appears to be a serious drug problem, getting help, and working to get reinstated by NASCAR, Mayfield chose to continue propagating the lie.  I hope it was worth it.

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The Dayonta test for the new Nationwide Series COT is complete.  Teams took to the 2.5 mile track on Tuesday and Wednesday to get familiar with the new car and to help NASCAR gather data ahead of it’s debut on July 2nd at the Subway Jalapeno 250.  Most of the drivers who participated said the car must be driven differently then the old car, but that it would lead to more exciting racing.  Those battles at the front of the NNS fields however, will probably feature more Cup drivers then ever before.

The redesigned car features many of the safety measures that were first implemented with the Cup Series COT.  The Nationwide versions also have bodies that more closely resemble their stock brethren.  The new Mustang, Challenger, Impala, and Camry bodies have been lauded by the drivers and the fans.  With the exception of the sheet metal though, much is the same between the Cup and Nationwide cars now.  The two COTs are so similar in fact, that they share the same chassis, wheelbase, and other components.  And it’s those similarities that will widen the gap between the Nationwide only guys and the Cup “Busch-Whackers.” (I will never let it die!)

Think about it.  While younger drivers have been coming up and learning on cars that are not too different then the current Nationwide car, Cup drivers have had the last few years to learn what it takes to drive and setup a COT car.  They will now be able to use that COT knowledge on Saturdays as well.  The younger, Nationwide only guys who don’t have that experience will suffer. 

Having the cars be so markedly different at least gave some of the younger drivers a fighting chance.  And by fighting chance, I mean Cup drivers who still dominate the series and win every race.  Before, information couldn’t really be shared between the two series, and having to constantly be transitioning from car to car at least made things interesting.  Now we don’t even have that.

Don’t get me wrong though, I certainly don’t think NASCAR should scrap the new COT.  In fact, I’m a big proponent of the introduction.  The safety innovations are certainly needed, and transitioning back to cars that appear more stock will do wonders with the fans.  I just wish we could find a way to fairly limit participation among the Cup crowd.

It isn’t all bad news though.

Among my doom and gloom there is a silver lining.  While these younger drivers might struggle now, their transition to Cup rides in the future will be much smoother and much shorter.  The skill-set necessary to make an NNS COT go fast won’t be too different then what they will need on Sundays.  And that will be good for the future of the sport and everyone involved.

Let’s just hope the Nationwide Series owners have enough patience to let these kids learn.

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