Mayfield to racing CEO: ‘I'd like to come back racing'

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Former NASCAR driver Jeremy Mayfield called into a NASCAR radio show Tuesday night to confront NASCAR CEO Brian France on the air, USA Today reported.

France was making a guest appearance on Motor Racing Network's "NASCAR Live" show.  Mayfield was suspended from NASCAR after he tested positive for methamphetamines in May of 2009.

"I thought I would just call in and see how you guys were doing, Brian, Eli," Mayfield said. "Haven't been around much to talk to you guys lately, and just wanted to ask Brian if he's willing to accept the fact I'd like to come back racing and if we could sit down and talk about it and figure out what we need to do to make that work."

AUDIO: Listen to the call

"Well, Jeremy, you know the path back for you — it's the path back for anybody," France said. "I've always hoped you would choose the right path and not litigation and a bunch of other things, but that's up to you and you have a welcome mat out anytime you want."

"There's a stated process that AJ Allmendinger just went through and we welcomed him back, and it's terrific. That's up to you," France said.

Mayfield got off the call after France's explanation.

"OK, well, I appreciate that," Mayfield said. "I didn't mean to bother you on the show, but it's the only way I could get ahold of you and I figured it would be a great opportunity to do that."

Mayfield is scheduled to be back in court next week.  Mayfield said his attorney is trying to work out an agreement with the district attorney.

Mayfield faces several charges after investigators said they found drugs, guns and stolen items on his property in Catawba County in 2011.  A bank also foreclosed on his home.

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