“We had to have the toughest policy because we have the most to lose if one of our players is on ... the track impaired,” France said. “We know we came up with a very good policy. People frequently test positive for one thing or another. It happens very, very frequently. It’s very rare, though, that we do a suspension, because that’s a very serious matter.

“We realize the seriousness and implications that has to an individual, to a race team, to their careers. It’s why the policy has some built-in flexibilities.”

Among them are allowances for prescribed medications taken as directed, but NASCAR makes it each individual’s responsibility to keep officials informed of changes in health. In court documents filed before Wednesday’s hearing, NASCAR alleged Mayfield never informed anyone he was taking Adderall.

France also said he’s surprised at the confusion Mayfield’s suspension has created, and questions of fairness about a tough policy meant to protect its participants.

“At some point when you have a positive test, it should be the end of the road,” he said. “In our judgment, that some point is when your “B” sample comes back unequivocally and conclusively positive for a banned substance that impaired you in the doctors’ and medical experts’ eyes. That is our basic responsibility.”