The Roanoke Times

NASCAR confirmed Wednesday that it has issued 40-45 drug tests during the past two years, a figure that includes multiple tests for some individuals.

NASCAR only drug tests individuals based on reasonable suspicion that they are abusing a drug.

Jim Hunter, NASCAR spokesman, said that Shane Hmiel has been tested 12-15 times since he was reinstated in February 2004. NASCAR suspended Hmiel on Sept.18, 2003, for violation of the series' substance abuse policy. NASCAR required Hmiel to attend counseling and periodic random testing as part of his reinstatement.

Ken Schrader says he doubts there's a drug problem in NASCAR because of the sport's inherent danger and that sponsors wouldn't tolerate it, noting how drivers have morals clauses in their contracts.

"There's a lot to potentially lose in this deal, so everybody seems a little more respectful of each other," Schrader said.

"If there is anything going on, the only thing might be to enhance physical ability on pit stops. [But] these guys aren't monsters. Jackmen aren't monsters. Size isn't a huge factor."

The issue of drugs in sports has grown since recent government hearings about steroids in Major League Baseball.

The House Committee on Government Reform, which held those hearings, is investigating performance-enhancing drugs in sports. The committee sent letters Tuesday to several sports organizations asking for their drug testing policy.

NASCAR has not been asked to submit such information. A spokesperson for committee chairman, Rep. Tom Davis, R-Va., said that the committee was "looking to see whether it makes sense to take a closer look at [NASCAR]."

The committee has requested information from the NFL, NBA, NHL and USA Track and Field, among other organizations.

Major League Baseball announced Monday that it had suspended 38 minor-league players who failed tests for steroids. Baseball said it conducted 925 drugs tests at minor-league spring training camps in Arizona this year. The results from teams that train in Florida have not yet been released.

Richmond expansion?

An International Speedway Corp. official said during a conference call with investor analysts this week that Richmond International Raceway might add more seats soon.

Susan Schandel, senior vice president and chief financial officer of ISC, said the company will consider seating expansion at some tracks.

"I know we've got quite a bit of demand at Miami, Richmond and Phoenix, so those would be tentative for next year," she said.

Richmond seats 107,097.

Also, during the conference call, officials admitted that the less-than-capacity crowd at California Speedway in February was below expectations.

John Saunders, executive vice president and chief operating officer, said ISC wasn't going to give up on the California track, though.

"We continue to view the Western U.S. region as a growing market with significant future prospects," Saunders said.