Matt Borland and MENCS team comment on suspension; Cite coffee for the reason of the failed drug test
Moments ago, Germain Racing announced that crew chief Matt Borland failed a random drug test issued by NASCAR. The result of the test is an indefinite suspension by NASCAR.
The penalty was also released moments ago by the sanctioning body.
NASCAR noted that DMAA was in his system. This is the second time in the last seven days that a member of NASCAR has been suspended for DMAA.
Last week, the Bristol Motor Speedway penalty report included an indefinite suspension for driver Bayley Currey. Currey noted that DMAA was in his pre-workout supliment and that he was unaware that it was against the NASCAR rule book.
Related: Bayley Currey comments after failed NASCAR drug test
Days later, we’re seeing a crew chief suspended for the same chemical makeup in his system. The team and Borland have commented on the drug test. Borland cited coffee as a reason for the positive test result.
Matt Borland is the crew chief for the Germain Racing #13 driven by Ty Dillon in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
Matt Borland statement on suspension
“This past weekend I was informed by a NASCAR doctor that I had DMAA (2-amino-5-methylhexanamine) in my system,” the statement opened from Borland.
“After the surprise of this and not even knowing what that was, I asked if it could have come from a diet coffee I have been drinking for the past six months. I gave the doctor all of the details of the coffee and ingredients, and after he researched it, he said he thought that this was the cause.”
“Even after doing my due-diligence, I felt comfortable in drinking the coffee. I plan to work with NASCAR to figure out what exactly has happened and resolve this issue as quickly as we can and will cooperate with them and do whatever is requested of me to make this situation right.”
“I have worked in the NASCAR garage for 20 years now, and have never been a part of anything like this in my life.” The statement continued, “I take full responsibility for this incident and want to get it taken care of completely.”
“I would like to sincerely apologize to my team, sponsors, associates, NASCAR and my family and I look forward to resolving this situation in an efficient manner.”
Bob Germain Jr, Owner of Germain Racing comments on the suspension
“Matt Borland has informed me that he was notified by NASCAR that a random urinalysis showed a substance, DMAA (2-amino-5-methylhexanamine) that is impermissible under the NASCAR Substance Abuse Policy,” Germain stated.
“We reviewed the ingredients label on a coffee product that Matt had been drinking and it includes DMHA (2-amino-5-methylheptane), a derivative of DMAA. Based upon the ingredients label we do not believe that Matt had reason to know that the coffee contained a banned substance.”
“However, we also understand and respect NASCAR’s decisions to strictly uphold their policies for each and every owner, driver and crew member in the garage. As an organization, we stand behind Matt. He has been and remains an integral part of our race team and we look forward to his return to the garage and pit box.”
In the meantime, the team will welcome a replacement crew chief. Justin Alexander will fill the role of interim crew chief of the No. 13 Camaro ZL1.
