A penny or two or three for more thoughts on NASCAR drug policy

Charlotte Observer colleague David Poole's wording on NASCAR's drug policy, in the "My 2 Cents" section of his column on ThatsRacin.com, is about as close to an indictment as I've seen on this touchy subject - so far at least.

Here's a little of what he said:

"It's clear NASCAR doesn't want the responsibility for establishing and enforcing a fair testing policy.

"It also is clear NASCAR officials really don't want to know some of the answers a real drug-testing policy might give them."

Here's that link again to more of it. And following is a modest sampling of what other writers are saying this week about the stock car racing and promotion company's drug policy, which currently relies on "reasonable suspicion," as opposed to random testing:

"... With over a 100,000 fans packed into the stands, and with many of those people sitting mere feet away from the racing surface, NASCAR officials just trust that none of these millionaire athletes have made bad decisions that day or the night before. And they base all that trust on the fact that not one of the drivers' employees - an employee who is relying on that driver to earn a living - has come forward.

"That's either the craziest thing I've ever heard or an unbelievable amount of respect for chain-link fencing."

- Josh Moon in the Montgomery Advertiser

"NASCAR should really be ashamed of itself.

"One of the most dangerous sports in America races from town-to-town throughout the year during its grueling season with the most laughable drug-testing policy in sports."

- Mike Finney, the News Journal and delawareonline.com

"You know something is really serious when the announcers on the TV shows, who usually are busy comparing NASCAR to God, say NASCAR has got to get its act together on this one."

- Norris McDonald, Toronto Star

"Very few secrets are kept in the garage area. Heaven knows NASCAR has caught its fair share of team 'creative engineering' via tips from members of rival organizations.

"And I'm certain that a couple of drivers who have been suspended from NASCAR for drug use were caught through information passed along by others.

"But it appears it's very difficult to pinpoint a drug user, even if that person is at the track. Fike got away with it, right? Well, at least he says he did."

- Steve Waid, scenedaily.com, The Sporting News, among other publications

"Unlike other sports, NASCAR has been fortunate enough to not suffer through scandals and strikes, and it has an obligation to protect its reputation — even if it means having drivers tested with greater frequency.

"The drivers are for it, the fans are for it - and this is one case where nobody loses if NASCAR gives the drivers what they want without argument."

- Steve Wilson, The Examiner