Racing News Digest

I am not really going to discuss if Jeremy Mayfield is guilty or not. Everyone has their opinions on that just as I do. I think the process may be a little screwy and if Jeremy wants to fight then he should.

Plus right now we have a whole lot of “they said I said”.

Interestingly enough it seems that NASCAR has the second sample of Jeremy Mayfields tested by another party and entered those results into the court case. In the case Jeremy is attempting to get his indefinite suspension lifted. Jeremy and his lawyers don’t really seem to be contesting the results, but instead the manner in which the testing was handled.

But, that’s not what caught my eye today. This is what I read in an article that I think came from the associated press.

It makes one wonder if the more sensible route would have been quietly serving his NASCAR suspension and then attempting a career-saving comeback. Of course, participating in NASCAR’s “path to reinstatement” would have been akin to admitting guilt, something Mayfield has adamantly opposed since his suspension.

While it is hard to argue with that logic especially since it appears Mayfield is now (or has been) in some financial trouble. This all this taken care of as quick as possible and be done with it, guilty or innocent.

But let’s say he is not guilty. Can you imagine getting punished for something you did not do. How hard would you fight? And being a competitor in any sport with that drive to win would only compound it.

I think I have deserved every speeding I have ever received. I know if I knew in my heart that I was not speeding for one of those tickets, no matter how pointless it would be, I would be standing in front of the judge contesting it. Loosing money from work that day and probably court fees. I would fight all that I could if I knew I was innocent, even though it would probably make a lot more sense to pay the $100 and move on with my life.

I don’t think I have had a speeding ticket in years by the way.

Now lets say he is guilty. In this case it would make a ton more sense to take the slap on the wrist, do the rehabilitation and get reinstated. But still being competitive and maybe not the brightest light bulb in the box, it is understandable to want to get your name cleared.

If he is guilty that means that he more than likely he knew he was wrong in the beginning when he said it was combination of Calriton and an over the counter drug. And once you start in with a lie like that there is not much turning back.

The exception of course would be that the norm for these days is ….be bad, tell the truth, ask for forgiveness and everyone loves you.

That may be a little harder in this situation when we are talking about a team and a driver that has not performed all that well and probably lacking a serious fan base.

Of course, come out of this beating big bad NASCAR and he could possibly pick up some fans.

Jeremy Mayfield has himself in a bind now. Of course he could still throw in the towel I suppose, but he would loose a lot of face doing that. If he keeps fighting and looses (that will probably be the outcome) at least he can forever deny he did anything wrong….for whatever that’s worth.