Jeremy Mayfield doesn’t want to be distraction at Daytona

Mayfield stays away from Daytona

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Jeremy Mayfield was not at Daytona International Speedway for Saturday night’s race, citing the media attention on his legal fight with NASCAR as an unnecessary distraction from the Independence Day celebration.

NASCAR suspended Mayfield May 9 for testing positive for methamphetamines, and he sued to be reinstated. A federal judge on Wednesday issued an injunction that cleared him to return to competition, and Mayfield indicated he’d travel to Daytona.

But he didn’t enter his Mayfield Motorsports team and had no ride lined up for the race. Still, there was a constant watch for his arrival, which was expected to happen Saturday.

Instead, he and wife, Shana, issued a statement at the same the pre-race driver meeting began at Daytona.

“We’ve been watching on television and reading online about the ‘Storm Clouds Over Daytona’ and the ‘Mayfield Media Circus,’ ” he wrote. “Honestly, this is the last thing Shana or I want for anybody. This weekend shouldn’t be about a questionable drug test or a flawed drug testing system. It should be about celebrating our country, the greatest country in the world.

“So, enjoy the weekend with your friends and family, and have a very Happy Independence Day. We look forward to seeing you all at the track very soon.”

Mayfield gave no indication when he’ll return to NASCAR.