NASCAR countersues

Long Pond, Pa. — NASCAR accused suspended driver Jeremy Mayfield of willfully violating its substance-abuse policy in a court filing Friday and argued his failed drug test shouldn’t be overturned.

In federal court papers, NASCAR accused Mayfield of breaching his contract and of defrauding NASCAR and its competitors of earnings.

Mayfield was suspended May 9 for failing a random drug test conducted eight days earlier at Richmond International Raceway.

Gordon rules out surgery

Long Pond, Pa. — Jeff Gordon has ruled out surgery on his aching back and hopes the daily treatments he receives at the track will ease the pain he’s felt for more than a year.

The four-time Sprint Cup series champion said he may opt instead for a repeat of a procedure he had last month, which typically calls for an injection of lidocaine or anti-inflammatory medication. Gordon said that may take place in four to six weeks. He added surgery was “too invasive, and I don’t think it’s necessary.”