Associated Press

File February Jeremy Mayfield (middle) has not competed in a race since May.

NASCAR is surveying Fan Council members about TV broadcasts, asking fans if they watch the races on TV with the sound turned down to hear the radio broadcast and how often they do so.

NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said the survey is part of typical research series officials do throughout the year with the 12,000-member Fan Council. The survey features about 20 questions and not all are related to the TV broadcasts.

NASCAR has become outspoken on what chairman Brian France has labeled excessive criticism from broadcasters. Poston wrote a blog after the Talladega race earlier this month questioning how ABC's broadcasters portrayed that race.

Poston said Tuesday that the questions for this survey, which were sent to a portion of Fan Council members, were planned before the Talladega race.

Andy Hall, an ESPN/ABC spokesman said of the survey questions: "We are very familiar with the NASCAR Fan Council and have frequently collaborated with NASCAR on research.''

Among the questions asked to Fan Council members is how many races they watch with the TV sound turned down while listening to the radio broadcast. Fans are also asked how much of a race they view like that and why they would watch the race on TV and listen to it on the radio.

Among the answers they can choose from as to why they would watch a race on TV but listen to the radio broadcast are: It's more exciting on the radio; get more information on the radio; like the radio announcers better; radio covers more of the race; dislike the TV announcers; other; and none of the above.

NASCAR has consulted with fans on various topics through the Fan Council. NASCAR asked fans about altering double-file restarts and the move to earlier start times for races next year before making those changes.

NASCAR's Fan Council, which debuted last year, recently received two awards from social media groups for the connection with fans.

NASCAR seeks judgment

NASCAR asked U.S. District Court Judge Graham Mullen on Tuesday to rule against Jeremy Mayfield based on the pleadings in the case.

NASCAR suspended Mayfield in May for violating its substance abuse policy after he tested positive for methamphetamine. Mayfield fought the suspension and won an injunction in July. NASCAR tested him again and stated that Mayfield again tested positive for methamphetamine. He has not competed since May.

NASCAR states in its motion that Mayfield has no case, noting that he waived any and all claims by agreeing to be tested under NASCAR's policy. NASCAR notes that Mayfield's breach of contract claim fails because it's based on an incorrect assumption that in testing Mayfield's urine, the laboratory was required to follow guidelines of certain federal agencies. NASCAR notes "the relevant contracts do not refer to these guidelines.''

NASCAR notes a claim of negligence fails because of an incorrect premise that NASCAR and the laboratory that tested Mayfield had to comply with the applicable guideline to certain federal agencies.

NASCAR also notes that Mayfield has not proven the case for discrimination, defamation, and unfair and deceptive trade practices.

For sale

Iron Horse Auction Company is scheduled to auction property belonging to Mayfield and his wife Friday morning at their equine facility in Catawba, N.C.

Listed for auction is a 13,000-square-foot executive home, a 3,000-square-foot ranch home, a log cabin, shop and equine barn, and about 475 acres. Also included is construction equipment, tractors, 11 cars, nine dirt bikes, nine trucks, racing equipment, a motor home, jewelry -- including a women's 8.08 karat diamond necklace -- and more than 40 guns. Among the cars being sold is a 1997 Dodge Viper GTS.

One more chance

Carl Edwards, who won a series-high nine races in 2008, is still looking for his first Cup win in 2009 heading into Sunday's season finale at Homestead.

Only once in series history has a driver won more races one season and been shut out the next.

Ned Jarrett won 13 times in 1965, but was winless in 1966. He ran only half the season in 1966 and still finished 13th in the points.

Pit stops

Kelly Bires will make his debut with JR Motorsports in a second car to Brad Keselowski this weekend at Homestead. Bires will drive for the team full time next season in the Nationwide Series.