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By TChris, Section Crime in the News
Posted on Sun May 24, 2009 at 11:22:30 PM EST
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What a difference a verdict makes.

A little over a month ago, [Helio Castroneves] was facing deportation or prison over tax-evasion charges. A brilliant racing career and his freedom rested in the hands of a Miami jury.

The Brazilian racer was acquitted on April 17. Today he won his third Indianapolis 500.

[more...]

In other racing news, NASCAR decided to step up its drug testing program after "former Truck Series driver Aaron Fike admitted to using heroin, even on days he raced." Testing drivers for drugs that aren't necessarily performance enhancing (like heroin) might be a sensible policy, but it's less obvious why NASCAR is randomly testing crew members and racing officials. Is the worry that a driver might have an unfair advantage if crew members are buzzed on meth?

< FTC Sues Robocaller | Rell Promises Veto of Death Penalty Ban >

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    Racing News | 4 comments (4 topical)

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    Lets hear it for the girl!!! (5.00 / 1) (#1)
    by nycstray on Sun May 24, 2009 at 11:38:59 PM EST
    Danica Patrick came in third, her best Indy finish and also the best female Indy finish.

    Safety, I would think (none / 0) (#2)
    by Inspector Gadget on Mon May 25, 2009 at 09:52:33 PM EST
    Testing drivers for drugs that aren't necessarily performance enhancing (like heroin) might be a sensible policy, but it's less obvious why NASCAR is randomly testing crew members and racing officials.

    Would you want the mechanic working on your car just before you go on a track where everyone is driving fast and furious to be too laid back to care if he dropped a wrench in the engine?

    In a sport like this, where so much is at stake for the winner, I would think everyone involved needs to be at the top of their game...focused and serious.

    hard part, though (none / 0) (#3)
    by of1000Kings on Mon May 25, 2009 at 11:23:24 PM EST
    is how do you separate those who use on their own time and those who use close enough to business time to effect safety...

    no business that tests for drug use has ever been able to answer this for me...

    if you're going to test people to see if they've ever broken a law then okay, I can see the point of drug tests (but then how do you test if someone has ever driven over the speed limit or stole candy if thats the point of the test), but if you're trying to find out whether or not a person uses while at the place of business (or is under the effect of the substance while on the clock) then the eye test is probably way better than a drug test...

    [ Parent ]

    also (none / 0) (#4)
    by of1000Kings on Mon May 25, 2009 at 11:24:21 PM EST
    the right kind of drugs can make a person more focused and more serious...

    [ Parent ]
    Racing News | 4 comments (4 topical)

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