Professional racing circuit NASCAR has announced new random drug-testing rules as part of its substance-abuse policy, WRAL reported Sept. 22. The testing is scheduled to begin in 2009.

Although the kinds of drugs being tested for have not been announced, NASCAR said that the policy is "triggered with the use of any drug or medication if NASCAR believes it has been abused or misused."

Any illegal substances found in a driver's blood would be considered a violation of the policy, as well as the presence of any substance that might be considered to present a safety issue. That could conceivably include such common and legal substances like caffeine and alcohol.

"We think we have the broadest policy in all of sports," NASCAR Vice President Steve O'Donnell said, adding that a policy that doesn't list specific drugs allows NASCAR to "test for any substance that may be abused."

Drug testing will be conducted by AEGIS Sciences Corporation beginning with all drivers at races in Daytona in January. Random testing will include all drivers, crew members and NASCAR officials. O'Donnell said testing of at least two drivers from each series will occur at every event.

Failing a drug test will result in immediate indefinite suspension, with a third violation resulting in a lifetime ban.