DARLINGTON, S.C. -- For the first time, a Sprint Cup driver has been busted for violating NASCAR's new random drug-testing policy.

Jeremy Mayfield, a five-time winner on NASCAR's premier series currently driving for his own team, has been suspended indefinitely for an undisclosed substance abuse violation, series vice president Jim Hunter said Saturday at Darlington Raceway. Mayfield, 39, failed to qualify for the Southern 500.

Also suspended indefinitely were Tony Martin, a crewman on the No. 34 Sprint Cup car of Front Row Motorsports, whose entry was driven Saturday night by Tony Raines; and Ben Williams, a crew member with the No. 16 Nationwide Series team of Roush Fenway Racing, which won Friday night's event with Matt Kenseth. Hunter would not specify what substances were taken, but did say the violations were for more than merely alcohol use.

"NASCAR has one of the toughest substance abuse policies in all of sports," Hunter said. "It's all about safety and competition. And a positive result means an indefinite suspension from all competition. The implementation of the random testing aspect of this program has been welcomed and supported by the drivers, owners, and other competitors in the sport."

The violations were discovered as a result of testing last week at Richmond, Hunter said. NASCAR tests between four and eight drivers each week, usually on the first day of the race weekend, the participants being pulled from a random computer-generated database of license numbers. If a first sample tests positive, participants can request a second sample.

In this case, Hunter said, both tests were positive, and the final results came in at about noon Saturday. NASCAR's drug policy is overseen by Dr. Black, a forensic toxicologist whose Nashville-based lab, Aegis Sciences Corp., also consults with various other college and professional sports organizations.

Although NASCAR has historically tested its competitors for drug use, most tests were the result of probable cause. That changed this season, when NASCAR implemented a random testing policy. All Sprint Cup drivers were tested prior to the season, and Hunter said that all have since been tested randomly at least once.

In violation

Jim Hunter talks about the suspensions of Jeremy Mayfield and two crew members.

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"We have a zero-tolerance approach in our substance abuse policy, and we've made it very clear we're going to stick with that," Hunter said. "A path to come back into racing is up to the individuals. If they choose to meet with Dr. David Black, he will lay out a path for them to return for possible reinstatement. But overall, I think the random testing program is working, and I think you will find that it is heartily endorsed by everyone in the garage. There's just no place for substance abuse in our sport."

Mayfield released a statement Saturday evening:

"As both a team owner and a driver in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, I have immense respect for the enforcement policies NASCAR has in place. In my case, I believe that the combination of a prescribed medicine and an over-the-counter medicine reacted together and resulted in a positive drug test. My doctor and I are working with both Dr. Black and NASCAR to resolve this matter."

The offenses, Hunter said, are not up for appeal. In Mayfield's case, the ban affects him as both a driver and an owner. If his No. 41 car is to attempt to qualify for the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in two weeks, it would have to be listed under an owner different from Mayfield.

"He is suspended as an owner and a driver," Hunter said. "His team could be operated by somebody else, but Jeremy will not be allowed to participate."

Mayfield said through his statement that his team will continue to attempt to qualifying for races under the terms of the suspension.

"Mayfield Motorsports remains committed to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and the organization will announce an interim owner and a temporary replacement driver early next week. Those roles will commence immediately beginning with next week's Sprint Open and continuing through Charlotte and beyond."

More: NASCAR Says blog