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A year or so when I wrote my last column for this site, I said that I was leaving permanently. At that time there were several issues that I could not write about.

I am going to start by this column by airing those out.

First of all, I was losing interest. Being in this sport for some thirty five years had gotten old. Not having the time to really follow things was frustrating.

I had been writing columns, here and for several other sites for several years. I was simply burnt out. Since leaving, I have been focusing in on a non sports interest, along with following the local pro teams. Can you say two World Series wins in this century? I am slowly coming back to the sport on a limited basis.

I was still in a period of grief. When the New England racing community lost Reverend Pat Evans, we lost a lot. To me he was a friend, mentor and spiritual advisor. Pat was there in the dark days and was there when I saw the light. He cared about a lonely young drunk in the grandstands of Thompson Speedway (Ct). That was even before he started his ministry. He was there when I saw the light. He presented me with my coin which marked 5 years of living without alcohol. At one point we traveled the New England tracks often meeting after services. He was always there trying to help. He was there for the racers in times of crisis. He was there for the families.

Later on when I started my writing career, he was there. Sometimes a call, more often an email. He always had time for me. His ministry and his work live on in “Racing With Jesus Ministries. www.rwjm.org Pat would have gotten me back here long ago, so here I am.

Last but not least was a financial problem. The company that I worked for and still do was sponsoring a Toyota. With “The Official Pizza of NASCAR”, no longer a car sponsor. It is safe for me to come back to writing. I can shoot my mouth off without putting my job in jeopardy. I still do not like seeing Toyota in NASCAR. They are and will always be, a way to get to the races and not something that should be on the track. (I drive a Chevy Cavalier and root for the Dodge teams).

Drug Testing in NASCAR

NASCAR does need a drug testing policy! They need something firm and fair. A policy with teeth! A policy that will protect drivers, fans, and all of us who care so much about the sport. A vehicle which can exceed 190mph is a weapon in the wrong hands. The days of Curtis Turner ended years ago.

Pops could party all night long and get into a car and drive the wheels off. Todays racers are business men in high speed offices. The use of drugs and alcohol has no place in todays’s sport.

Here is my suggestion for such a policy.

Random testing of all member of the racing community. I do not care if you a a driver, crewmember, NASCAR official, or member of the press.

If you enter the infield of a NASCAR santioned event, you should know that NASCAR has the right to test and will.

Fail a test and you have two options, detox followed by a qualified aftercare and a one year suspension, or a lifetime ban period.

If you opt for treatment, you may return to the sport on a permanent probation after suspension. However, if you fail another test, you are gone. No third chance, Being involved in NASCAR is a privilege.

A bit tough you say? You bet!

I know first hand what alcohol and drugs can do. I was once stopped on the way home from a local short track. I was drunk and could have earned an OUI.

I was a danger to myself and others and that was just driving a street car. I was not on a track at over 160 mph. That was some thirty years ago. A few years later, I put the plug in the jug and have never regretted it. This month I mark 26 years of alcohol free living.

Sober by the Grace of God and 150 hp

John