The Backstretch Blog: Taken for Granite

As NASCAR moves to the Granite State, the talk should be about the Chase, who might be a title contender and the other things that are fodder during the dog days of summer. But instead, the only thing anyone is talking about outside the NASCAR inner circle, is the positive drug test of AJ Allmendinger.

"That is not in A.J. Allmendinger's character so I don't know what is going on there," Daytona winner Tony Stewart told the media in New Hampshire. "It's unfortunate because he's a good guy and he's a really good race car driver so I mean I would say there is probably a logical explanation for it.''

The real reason many drivers, media and fans are looking for a logical explanation, and were so surprised, is because when drivers go 500 miles at around 200 mph, everyone takes for granted that the guy in the next car is sober when they do it.

"I think the drug testing policy is a great thing," Matt Kenseth told "I think there's always a fear of the unknown. ... You take a test, and they ship the stuff away, and you hope not to hear about anything later. I think you always wonder, and you're never really sure until it all comes out, and especially on the person who tested on the positive side."

Most drivers are walking a fine line of trying to find a reason for why Allmendinger tested positive and supporting NASCAR's drug policy. His teammate however was not so understanding.

"My personal belief is that nothing should be allowed," said Brad Keselowski. "Nothing. I don't feel like you should be able to take Flintstones pills. It's my personal belief. You're race car drivers, you should have to overcome it. I think it's a bunch of (expletive) people should be allowed to take supplements, any of those things. I don't think that's right. I don't think any athlete should be allowed to take that. But that's my own personal belief."

Oh yeah, there will be some racing this weekend in New Hampshire, too. This track is kind of like a bigger Martinsville. Among the drivers that have multiple wins here include Tony Stewart, Clint Bowyer, Kurt Busch, Jeff Burton and Jimmie Johnson.


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