Gobert tests positive for marijuana, won't race at Laguna Seca

Gobert had been scheduled to participate in the Dunlop World Superbike Championship event Sunday. The races pitted American riders against those from the rest of the world.

Gobert, who is Australian, was denied entry because of positive results on a drug test administered July 1. The test indicated the presence of marijuana.

"I was wrong. Just plain wrong," Gobert said. "I did have a smoke after Loudon, in celebration, which I didn't realize would be considered a serious problem by the FIM (International Motorcycling Federation). I would never do it before or during a race, because racing is everything to me, and I know I have disappointed a lot of people, most of all my fans and my team."

Gobert's mother and manager, Sue Gobert, said that her son had requested a urine test from an independent clinic when he learned of the failed test on Friday, and that test was negative.

"Anthony's racing career is the single-most important thing in his life," Mrs. Gobert said. "All he wants to do is put this behind him and regain the respect of his fans and his fellow racers as the excellent rider and person he really is."

Gobert currently rides for the Vance & Hines-Ducati team and is second in the AMA National Superbike Championship points standings.

Last September, Gobert was fired by Suzuki after testing positive for an unspecified banned substance. At the time, he denied taking drugs and said he was "absolutely devastated."

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