NASCAR announced Tuesday that Sprint Cup Series pit crew member Ernest Pierce has been indefinitely suspended from NASCAR for violating the sanctioning body’s Substance Abuse Policy.
The violations were discovered on June 17 for violating sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 19 (violation of the NASCAR Substance Abuse Policy) of the 2015 NASCAR rule book.
In order to return to competition, Pierce will have to complete the NASCAR Road to Recovery program. The specifics of the process are determined on an individual basis and depend on the substance found.
This is not the first time a crew member has been suspended and probably will not be the last.
Pit crew members, like drivers, must be cautious when taking numerous types of medicines and other aids. These can include stimulants, narcotic analgesics, ephedrine substances, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, performance enhancing drugs, muscle relaxers, sleep aids and beta blockers.
If competitors are issued a prescription on a prohibited substance in the above categories, they must show proof to the MRO upon receipt. The MRO also has the ability to contact the physician on the expected length and prognosis.
The team Pierce worked for could not be identified.
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