Justin Ratliff drug test refused – Driver pulled from DIRTcar Nationals, suspended for 90 days and fined
Justin Ratliff has become the first driver to fail the newly formed World of Outlaws drug testing program.
New for 2017, the World Racing Group, including DIRTcar Racing as well as the World of Outlaws are cracking down on drugs. Random DIRTcar drug testing was announced in December 2016. This season is the beginning of this program.
The World Racing Group issued a brief statement, “The World of Outlaws Craftsman Late Model Series has penalized Justin Ratliff, of Campbellsville, KY, for refusing to take the required drug test at DIRTcar Nationals in February.”
Explaining their new testing process, “According to the new 2017 Drug Policy adopted in partnership with the National Center for Drug Free Sport, any participant who refuses to take a drug test subsequently fails the drug test.”
It’s not that he actually failed. However, refusal to take the test nets a negative tests, “Ratliff refused to take a random drug test at DIRTcar Nationals, thus making him ineligible to compete in the event.”
Discussing the penalty and fines, “Ratliff will be withheld from Series competition for 90 days from the date of the test as well as fined $1000. The suspension term may be reduced to 60 days with the completion of an alcohol or drug-education program.”
Justin Ratliff may return to racing after a series of steps.
Reinstatement will be conditional on two negative tests over the final 14-day period of the suspension and payment of the fine.
Justin Ratliff is now the first victim of a failed World of Outlaws drug test. Technically, he didn’t fail, he just refused to take the test. However, in the eyes of the series rulebook, those two are one in the same, rightly so, probably.
The DIRTcar Nationals was hosted at Volusia Speedway Park. The 3-day dirt racing event took place February 23-25th.
Author: Shane Walters
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