Mayfield suit vs. NASCAR dismissed

A federal judge on Tuesday dismissed Jeremy Mayfield's lawsuit against NASCAR, a ruling that presumably ends the yearlong saga surrounding the first Sprint Cup driver suspended for failing a random drug test.

U.S. District Judge Graham Mullen in Charlotte, N.C., ruled that Mayfield had twice waived his rights to pursue claims against NASCAR when he signed documents to participate in the stock-car series.

"Plaintiffs thereby waived their right to pursue their claims for defamation, unfair and deceptive trade practices, breach of contract and negligence," Mullen wrote in his decision. "Plaintiffs' claims are hereby dismissed."

Mayfield's wife, Shana, said the couple had no comment on the ruling, which can be appealed. She said attorney Mark Geragos would speak on their behalf.

Geragos' voice mailbox was full, and he did not immediately respond to an e-mail request for comment.

Mayfield was suspended in May 2009 for failing a random drug test. NASCAR later said the driver tested positive for methamphetamines, a claim Mayfield has consistently denied.

n VICKERS UPDATE -- NASCAR driver Brian Vickers is responding positively to treatment for blood clots in his legs and near his lungs.

Red Bull Racing said the 26-year-old is "progressing well" after being hospitalized in Washington last week. Vickers has been meeting with specialists since returning to Charlotte, N.C.

Vickers' return to racing is uncertain, Red Bull said.

n INDY 500 -- Scott Dixon ran a fast lap of 226.549 mph at Indianapolis 500 practice, the only driver to top 226 on a cool, cloudy, damp afternoon on the 2.5-mile oval.

Mario Moraes had the second-fastest lap at 225.913, and Alex Tagliani was third at 225.394. Marco Andretti, who is driving for his father, Michael, was seventh at 224.914, and Danica Patrick was 28th at 222.003.

Venezuela's E.J. Viso ended the fourth day of practice with a hard crash coming out of the first turn.

He was taken off the track on a stretcher and went to a hospital for X-rays, but he was later released and could be back for today's practice session.

It was the second crash of the day for a KV Racing Technology driver.

Brazil's Mario Moraes damaged the rear wing and the gear box when he spun into the inside wall coming out of the pits. He was not hurt.

n TEXAS DEATH -- Officials said an 87-year-old man died after the car he was in crashed into the wall at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth last weekend.

Troy Taylor of the Denton County Medical Examiner's Office said Fred Krusemark of Dallas died Monday of blunt force trauma to the head and neck after Saturday's crash.

Krusemark was taking part in a ride-along program offered by a company called Texas Driving Experience.