NASCAR has toughened its drug policy and will do random tests in 2009 on everyone in the three national series -- from star Chase drivers to anonymous tire changers. All drivers, over-the-wall crew members and officials will be tested before the start of next season, and will also be subject to random tests throughout the year.

The amended policy for the Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Trucks series kicks in at preseason testing at Daytona International Speedway.

"This is more of a reaction to the modern responsibilities that we also have, not just in NASCAR, but the whole community of sports," NASCAR president Mike Helton said yesterday at Dover, Del. "I think the industry feels like that's the right thing to do."

NASCAR did not reveal a list of banned substances and it reserved the right to test for any substance -- anything from steroids to prescription medicines -- if there was suspicion of abuse. Under NASCAR's current policy, testing is only done when there is a "reasonable suspicion" someone is using banned substances.

Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR's vice president of racing operations, noted that other professional leagues have changed their drug policies to adapt to perceived problems.

"We know there's new drugs out there every day," O'Donnell said. "By having a broad policy that doesn't list anything, we feel like we can test for any substance that may be abused."

O'Donnell said NASCAR will go public with anyone who flunks an original 'A' sample and backup 'B' sample test. While NASCAR reserved the right issue a lifetime ban after one positive result, O'Donnell said the sport would likely continue with a "three strikes-and-out" policy.

NASCAR told teams of the stricter policy at a mandatory meeting yesterday at Dover International Speedway. Teams in the Craftsman Truck Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway also were notified of the changes.

Kyle Busch made it eight victories this season in the Nationwide Series, leading 157 laps and absolutely dominating to win yesterday in a green-white-checkered flag finish at Dover. Starting from the pole, Busch was never really challenged and pulled ahead by a couple of car lengths on the final restart late in an overtime race that stretched to 207 laps. Mike Bliss was second and Brad Keselowski was third.

A former technical inspector filed a complaint against NASCAR with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, alleging racial discrimination, a hostile work environment and wrongful termination. Dean Duckett, who is black, said discrimination started in May 2001 and lasted until NASCAR fired him from his job in the Cup series in November 2007. Duckett said he would consider a lawsuit if NASCAR refused to offer him his old job back.