Mayfield not at Daytona but issues statement

Jeremy Mayfield never made it to Daytona International Speedway this weekend but issued a statement explaining his status and hopes to be next weekend's race at Chicago. Here's the statement:

To All My Fans, Friends and Fellow Competitors:

First and foremost, Shana and I want to thank all of you who have supported us. To say that the last two months have been two of the wost months of my entire life is an understatement. The only event I can think of that brought me even greater pain was the loss of my father in 2007.

Last Wednesday's ruling by (U.S. District Court) Judge (Graham) Mullen was a giant step towards clearing m y name and getting the 41 Car back on the track. Our hope was to bring our team to Daytona this weekend to qualify and race in teh Coke Zero 400. For those who know me, there is nothing in the world that I would rather do than race for you all on the 4th of July. Following Judge Mullen's ruling, we had less than 24 hours to prepare the car, assemble a team, get sponsorship and travel to Daytona. Ultimately, we were unable to get this done in time.

We've received several phone calls from friends and fans as well as friends in the media wondering if we would be coming to Daytona this weekend, anyway. We've decided that our time is best spent back here in North Carolina working around the clock to try and secure the funding needed to get the 41 Car to Chicago and beyond. Shana and I, as well as everyone at Mayfield Motorsports will do everything in our power to race next weekend.

Finally, we've been watching on television and reading online about the "Storm Clouds Over Daytona'' and the "Mayfield Media Circus.'' Honeslty, this is the last thing Shana or I want for anybody. This weekend shouldn't be about a questionable drug test or a flawed drug testing system. It should be about celebrating our country; the greatest country in the world. So, enjoy the weekend with your friends and family, and have a very Happy Independence Day. We look forward to seeing you all at the track very soon.

Thanks again for keeping us in your hearts and prayers.

Jeremy and Shana Mayfield

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