Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Two Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing employees arrested in drug bust

   Two employees of Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing, including a pit crew member for Sprint Cup Series driver Juan Pablo Montoya's No. 42 team, were arrested this week on drug charges.

   On Tuesday, officers with the Huntersville (N.C.) Police Department arrested Trevor Lysne and Jerome "J.D." Frey in connection with a drug bust that netted 10.5 pounds of marijuana that had been shipped from California, the police report said.

   Lysne, 40, is the front tire changer for Montoya's pit crew. Frey, 27,  is a part-time racer and a mechanic who works in EGR's shop.

   Lysne is charged with trafficking marijuana, possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana and maintaining a dwelling to distribute marijuana. Frey, 27, is also charged with trafficking marijuana and possession with intent to sell and deliver.

   According to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Web site, Lysne was released on a $30,000 secured bond and Frey was released on a $25,000 secured bond. Both have court appearances scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.

   A spokesman for EGR said the organization was still gathering facts about the incident and had no immediate comment.

   NASCAR officials were expected to address the matter later Wednesday afternoon.