Auto racing and drug use do not belong together in any way, shape or form. It takes the most minor of infractions to incur serious repercussions. These are life-and-death situations.
A violation of NASCAR's substance-abuse policy has cost crew chief Todd Parrott his job with Richard Petty Motorsports. As reported in www.sbnation.com.
Parrott had been the crew chief for the No. 43 car driven by Aric Almirola, but was suspended indefinitely last week by NASCAR after failing a random drug test.
Parrott admits he made a mistake. He declined, however, to reveal which banned substance he took.
Parrott is best known for being the former crew chief for Dale Jarrett. The two won the 1999 Cup Championship and hold a pair of victories in the Daytona 500 (1996 and 2000) and Brickyard 400 (1996 and 1999). Parrot said he will be taking drug classes through NASCAR’s program. He does seem quite contrite and intent on finding and maintaining sobriety.
RPM promoted car chief Greg Ebert to interim crew chief beginning with this weekend's race at Martinsville Speedway. Ebert has been with the No. 43 team for two years, and previously spent five years serving as the car chief for Matt Kenseth at Roush Fenway Racing.
While Parrott claims this was a one-time use, I find that difficult to believe. What do you think?