Jeremy Mayfield hires attorney
Jeremy Mayfield has retained legal representation following his NASCAR suspension for a substance-abuse violation. // David Griffin, NASCAR Scene
High-profile Charlotte attorney Bill Diehl said Wednesday afternoon that he has been hired to represent suspended driver/owner Jeremy Mayfield over a positive drug test taken May 1.
“He hasn’t filed suit,” Diehl said. “We don’t know exactly what we’re going to do yet, but I am representing him.”
Diehl’s firm has a long list of clients in the racing industry, including Hendrick Motorsports and NASCAR team co-owner Felix Sabates.
NASCAR indefinitely suspended Mayfield on May 9 over the positive test. NASCAR Chairman Brian France indicated May 15 that an indefinite suspension such as the one Mayfield received is for a positive test of performance-enhancing drugs or illegal recreational drugs.
Mayfield has denied that illegal drugs caused the positive test and suggested that a combination of a prescription drug and Claritin-D resulted in the positive test.
Diehl said he has received two sets of toxicology results from NASCAR.
“I requested all the reports,” he said. “I’ve gotten a report before today, and I got another report [today].”
Mayfield cannot compete until reinstated by NASCAR. Practice for the Coca-Cola 600 is scheduled for 3 p.m. EDT Thursday at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. J.J. Yeley is replacing Mayfield in the car while Mayfield’s wife, Shana, is the listed owner for the Mayfield Motorsports team.
Diehl wouldn’t say whether Mayfield might seek an injunction to get in the race this weekend.
NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston issued a statement saying that NASCAR has been in contact with Diehl.
"I can confirm that Mr. Diehl has been in touch with NASCAR, and we've provided him with relevant information pertaining to Jeremy's suspension, including the toxicology report," Poston said.
