NASCAR Quietly Changed Its Drug Policy

Ahead of the beginning of the 2026 season, NASCAR has introduced multiple new additions to its Drug Policy.

NASCAR Quietly Changed Its Drug Policy

John Probst (Via nascar.com)

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NASCAR is currently undergoing a period of massive change. The sport recently introduced changes to its highly debated playoffs Championship format. Now, it is the Drug Policy that witnesses some changes and new additions compared to previous versions. According to reports, the sport has expanded the list of prohibited substances to meet modern anti-doping standards across multiple other motorsport categories.

Reportedly, the sanctioning body has added multiple new categories of drugs that are banned from use by people involved in NASCAR. This is not only limited to performance-enhancing drugs, but also include a many growth hormone-related substances. These changes are made to curb the growing use of these drugs by the population and stop their influence on the up-and-coming generation of the pinnacle of stock racing.

As per infamous NASCAR pundit Bob Pockrass, he highlighted multiple sections in the Drug Policy for NASCAR that mentioned the new inclusions. Amongst others, the sanctioning body emphasized that prohibited substances now included nandrolone, trenbolone, stanozolol, oxandrolone, oxymetholone, boldenone, methandienone, methyltestosterone, and dihydrotestosterone.

Apart from this, the banned growth hormone-related substances that are now banned in NASCAR are growth hormone-releasing hormones (GHRH) and their analogues, such as CJC-1293, CJC-1295, and many others. All substances that are not approved by a recognized governmental institute for human therapeutic use will be prohibited from being used in NASCAR.

This crackdown on additional substances for drivers in NASCAR ensures that the sport maintains the high standards set by them over the years. The sport is focusing on all aspects of growth and not just global viewership and popularity. The violations will also now carry bigger consequences for those found abusing these substances.

NASCAR also introduces changes to waivers for drivers missing races

The 2026 season witnessed more changes in NASCAR’s sporting policy than in any one season. Many drivers who had to miss out on a race due to unforeseeable circumstances were heavily penalized depending on the infraction. However, in recent years, drivers have been seen missing races and not facing as big repercussions as before. For example, Denny Hamlin recently missed the Mexico City Cup Race and still held his playoff position and points.

Denny Hamlin (via Imago)
Denny Hamlin (via Imago)

Now, among other changes, the waivers have also been refreshed and clearly stated for the drivers. The new rule ensures that waivers given to drivers during races will maintain their eligibility for playoffs. Moreover, the points will only be lost if no waiver has been provided to the driver by the sanctioning body. This will ensure that the points are not reset to uncertain values, but rather follow a certain pattern if a driver has to miss a race in any of the three NASCAR categories.

NASCAR has continued to bring about changes to the sporting code despite the current model bringing in new audiences. The sport isn’t showing any signs of slowing down and is continuing to listen to the people. With the recent breakdown on banned substances and waivers for drivers, the sport is moving towards a safer and more transparent racing environment. It will be exciting to witness how these changes bring about improvement in the sport and make racing more exciting on track.

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