Drug testing

[Tet]

I'm just wondering what people's thoughts are on drug testing. Currently, the FIA uses the WADA list of banned substances. But I'm not entirely sure that's appropriate for our sport. For example, it bans things than can increase stamina and endurance, which frankly are completely irrelevant to drag racing. Combined with WADA's zero tolerance approach, it potentially means we're clamping down on things unnecessarily, and where it might make sense for athletics or even circuit racing, it doesn't follow that it makes sense for us.

FWIW, I have no idea about which substances Thomas Nataas and Tommy Johnson Jr were pulled up on, or whether they'd fall into this category or not. I'm just curious to know where people stand on this. Obviously I'm all in favour of banning anything that might give, say, a reaction time advantage.

[Burndown]

It certainly doesn't make much sense. The WADA code is adopted by governing bodies because its easier than coming up with a sport specific list themselves. Logic will never be used unfortunately.

[ribaric]

Is the long arm of the insurance companies involved with this?

[Bikermoore]

I've often thought of this topic quite a bit over the years. Very difficult to find a suitable and 'bespoke' way forward. I agree in that there should be a specific list of banned substances relating to drag racing. It's seems the default is WADA, and unless enough consultation is made with the FIA on this, I can't see it changing.

Let hope they don't bring in testing for the crews. Drag racing crew plays a much larger roles than any other motorsport, and its those who are on the drugs (just to keep awake and increase stamina and endurance!!)

On a separate note, is a piss test the only way to perform a drug test? (Tet you know what I mean)

[Burndown]

ribaric said:

Is the long arm of the insurance companies involved with this?

Unlikely, just people scared of doing the wrong thing, once put in a position of responsibility.

[Burndown]

Bikermoore said:

I've often thought of this topic quite a bit over the years. Very difficult to find a suitable and 'bespoke' way forward. I agree in that there should be a specific list of banned substances relating to drag racing. It's seems the default is WADA, and unless enough consultation is made with the FIA on this, I can't see it changing.

Let hope they don't bring in testing for the crews. Drag racing crew plays a much larger roles than any other motorsport, and its those who are on the drugs (just to keep awake and increase stamina and endurance!!)

On a separate note, is a piss test the only way to perform a drug test? (Tet you know what I mean)

Blood tests can be taken under WADA regulations.

[NitroWars]

I never realised that Sanatogen was a "legal high" but then I suppose sugar could be regarded as such...

[dorrisdormouse]

I think the problem with trying to make rules of our own would be similar to that of not just adopting majority of NHRA's tech rules. Realistically the SFI parts we run over here get a lot less use over their lifetime than they do in the states where seasons are so much longer, but we cant just ditch those rules. I guess because there is no proven alternative.

[Burndown]

Another extra cost for racers. Now you need a team doctor to deal with all of your prescriptions, supplements and therapeutic use exemption certificates.

[Pixelpeep7r]

Burndown said:

Now you need a team doctor to deal with all of your prescriptions.

Don't use that guy Michael Jackson had

[Burndown]

Pixelpeep7r said:

Burndown said:

Now you need a team doctor to deal with all of your prescriptions.

Don't use that guy Michael Jackson had

Agreed, better to use the guy Lance Armstrong used.