The driver who was expected to be one of the season’s strongest championship contenders recently opened up about how the results from the mandated drug test may have ruined his chances of competing this season.
28-year-old Ryan Partridge was blocked from getting onto the track during Saturday night’s race (March 18th) after failing to secure his annual license for competition in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West.
Last year, Partridge placed second in the series, but has recently revealed that his hopes of competing this year might be dashed due to the results provided by the agency which administered his required drug test. Original reports stated that NASCAR explained the reason for blocking Partridge was due to him failing to provide the necessary paperwork to obtain a license, however, the driver himself revealed the true reason in a recent Facebook post.
“There are quite a few requirements to allow one to race including drug test, physical, a pile of paperwork, etc. The day before opening night in Tucson I learned that my drug test was inconclusive, and they would not allow me to race without another.”
Partridge made it clear that this did not mean he ‘failed’ the test or tested positive for banned substances, but regardless of the reason for an ‘inconclusive’ determination – it meant he was required to have another series-approved drug test performed before he could obtain his license.
“Let me give some insight to the testing process,” He continued. “You first call requesting a test kit, then they call back usually a day later needing information and specifics, then they send you (a) kit, once received, you make (an) appointment with a specified clinic, after (a) sample is given, they package it up and send it back…all in all totaling over a week.”
With the results coming in as ‘inconclusive’ so close to the race, it made it impossible for him to get his license in time for the first race, and as he predicts “most likely the first four (races), crushing our hopes for a championship or competitive season.”
Understandably, this unfortunate string of events has left him “devastated” and is not only affecting him, but his entire team.
“Racing is a relentless sport that always asks for more, and no matter how much I love racing, racing will never love me back,” Partridge concluded, adding that the incredible support he’s received has blown him away. “That is truly what racing is all about: the camaraderie and community of our racing family and friends. I’m not sure what the next step is for me but I will definitely keep you all posted. Thanks everyone.”
Read Ryan Partridge’s full Facebook statement about the incident below and let us know what you think in the comments.