RALPH N. PAULK TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER
Published: May 6, 2009
Kevin Grubb, whose NASCAR career was cut short because of alleged substance abuse, was found dead today morning at a motel in Henrico County.
According to a Henrico police spokesman, personnel at Alpine Motel on the 7000 block of Brook Road discovered the Mechanicsville native in his room about 11 a.m. Investigators did not speculate on the cause of death.
"Right now, it's an ongoing death investigation," said Henrico police Lt. Richard Cosby. "There doesn't appear to be anything unusual or suspicious [at the crime scene]."
Cosby said further details concerning Grubb's death are expected Thursday.
Grubb, 31, was suspended indefinitely in September 2006 for failing to comply with NASCAR's substance-abuse policy while competing in the then-Busch Series (now Nationwide). He was suspended for refusing to submit to required testing following a race at Richmond International Raceway.
That had been Grubb's second violation of the sport's drug policy for reinstatement. He was first suspended in March 2004 for testing positive for banned substances. He was reinstated to drive in June 2006, with part of the conditions being an agreement that he submit to periodic drug testing at anytime.
"He would not submit to a drug test. We even gave him some time to think about it," NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter told reporters in 2006.
Grubb and brother Wayne were NASCAR drivers. Their father, W.O. Grubb, helped launch their careers with Grubb Motorsports. Kevin Grubb's career began with NASCAR's lower-tier series in 1997.
Grubb's only attempt in NASCAR Sprint Cup series came in 2002 in the Pontiac Excitement 400 at RIR. He failed to qualify with the No.54 Team Bristol Motorsports Chevrolet.
*NOTE*I am not confirming anything but I was told that he recently failed a drug test in some racing series, he said that he was being treated for a medical condition , and he was very depressed about the situation. Very sad story, he was a good talent and could have had a great career. God Bless him and his family.
Don Runkle
