Large Dose of Prescription Drug in Richmond Test

A large dose of a prescription drug, not an illegal drug, caused race car driver Tim Richmond to test positive in his substance abuse test last week, NASCAR officials said Thursday night.

“Pseudoephedrine, a drug normally used for allergies and respiratory conditions, was found in the urine sample submitted by Tim Richmond on Thursday, Feb. 4,” said a report from NASCAR drug adviser Dr. Forest S. Tennant, who tested Richmond’s urine samples. “This substance was deemed to render Richmond hazardous in a race car. The measured amount indicated a dosage 5 to 20 times the normal amount.”

Pseudoephedrine is an active ingredient in such over-the-counter drugs as Advil or Sudafed, NASCAR officials said.

“Pseudoephedrine can cause dizziness, rapid heartbeat, hyperactivity, nervousness and shakiness when taken at normal levels,” Tennant said. “Inappropriate dosages or overdosages can cause increases in these effects, posing a hazard to the safe operation of a racing vehicle.

“In addition, a second non-prescription drug--ibuprofen--was found, which could potentially increase the effects of pseudoephedrine.”

In a repeat test, taken last Saturday, Richmond’s urine sample tested negative.

Richmond, however, is still not eligible to drive in Sunday’s Daytona 500 because he has not passed his driver’s physical examination. There has been speculation that he would be a substitute driver for Ken Ragan, but until he passes the physical he will not be permitted to drive. NASCAR officials have asked to see the medical reports from his bout with double pneumonia last winter, but he has refused to hand them over.

“The ball is in his court,” said Bill France Jr., president of NASCAR. “We’re still waiting to hear from Tim, his doctors or his lawyer.”