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November 28, 2007
Fike wants to return to racing, but will NASCAR let him?
Aaron Fike says he has turned his life around after being arrested back in July for shooting up on heroin. After the arrest, the Craftsman Truck Series driver was suspended indefinitely by NASCAR and replaced by his team, Red Horse Racing.
Fike says he realizes that the arrest saved his life and after four months of rehabilitation has returned to his home in Illinois and filed incorporation papers for his nonprofit "Racing Against Drugs."
"It will be dedicated to helping others, particularly young people, to avoid the terrible mistake I have made," Fike told the judge in his proposal.
Fike plans to set up an information tent at each NASCAR track, give motivational speeches on staying clean, make presentations at schools and mention the anti-drug campaign in every interview. He expects to have a Web site running next month.
Until the racing suspension is lifted, Fike will be barred from tracks. He hopes NASCAR will give him a temporary license that will lead to full reinstatement.
Along with is nonprofit organization, Fike really wants to return to racing, but the big question is when and if NASCAR will lift the suspension? NASCAR has had driver suspensions before and generally seems to try and push things under the rug, saying their drug policy is fine and no changes to it are necessary.
NASCAR has indicated it will go slowly in recertifying Fike.
"It's possible, but he's got some work to do before we get there," NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said. "After he's completed the legal process, he will have to undergo an evaluation by our substance abuse experts and follow a prescribed program that they would set for him."
Poston said NASCAR has no timetable other than "when we're confident he's ready to return." Fike said he'll do whatever it takes.
It sounds like there is a possibility of his return, at least from what NASCAR and Poston are saying. They mentioned the legal process, so it sounds like they won't think about it until after his probation is over with, which was stated at two years, so that's another year and a half away.
Your thoughts? Should NASCAR allow Fike to race again?
November 28, 2007 in NASCAR | Permalink
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Comments
Give the kid one more chance, maybe he has turned his life around. I mean NASCAR gave Shane Hmiel 3 chances. Give Aaron extra drug tests monthly or weekly and if he fails suspend him indefintley for at least a couple of years.
Posted by: Quinn | Apr 13, 2008 6:26:58 PM
gretchen
Hey aggie that RED amp and bad with grey goose
it must be as its affecting your typing skill$ on here lol
Posted by: aggie | Nov 30, 2007 2:25:26 PM
Keith, you are right. He was the most awesome guy. Really good, big hearted, decent, guy. And not bad now, just not trustworthy at all. He's like Forrest Gump's box of chocolate's. You never know what you're gonna get.
Posted by: Gretchen | Nov 30, 2007 12:57:25 PM
Hey aggie that RED amp and bad with grey goose
Posted by: Gretchen | Nov 30, 2007 12:43:44 PM
K2
your taking more shoots here any steroid user lol Jon 2 and Keith are double teaming you pretty good on the eve of your big nite!! good thing your shape to get into the armani tuxedo
like em or hate em , JJ with $15 mil plus unreal 2 seaons that season has had, the 24 will have lots of $$$ for diapers now!!! pays to tell guys not to race you hard lol
DEB
Is that the person you want running 150 mph next to you?
had worse drivers besides me
most days on the 285 you have people like that doing 75 and your not as well protected as a nascar cot driver!!!! most people on the 285 are doing what??
they are on cell phone, shaving doing nails, checking listick, wearing 5 inch stillettos, smoking, tunes blasting, sucking a starfks latte oh yeah looking at their GpS and wathcing a dvd.....did i leave out anything?? no wonder people have Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD),
Gretchen
foo foo foo foo fooey foo
what is that
gogogogo kyle go or is that
gogogogo toney go??
i see you the JGR team chant for 08 all rehersed, the AMP/jd combo is getting to you, i see!!!
its so comfort pure OJ and a drop of galiano for the soccer fans here today for me.
Posted by: aggie | Nov 30, 2007 12:35:42 PM
K2,
Doesn't a debate require both sides?
Gretchen,
Although, the testing everybody, all the time, is prohibitive. I like the onetime full sweep to determine the scope of the problem. NASCAR can't make a solution until they know the extent of the problem, right? If it's a minor problem then they shouldn't treat everyone as guilty. They can ramp it up if the problem is more severe.
Your friend and Shane are probably similar in that when they aren't doing their poison of choice, they're the best people in the world. As long as neither drives a stock car I'm all for their recoveries.
Posted by: Keith | Nov 30, 2007 12:17:23 PM
Well, back when you and ironman got into it months back i thought the official "sign in password" for kathy's pit stop was " F**K F**K F**K F**K F**KETY F**K. LOL!!!
But now it would need to be foo foo foo foo fooey foo.
Posted by: Gretchen | Nov 30, 2007 12:16:12 PM
J2,
Why are you asking anything if "according to you I am so out of it"??? Why bother.
Gretchen, love the part above from him
"a yes or no will suffice"..
Kathy I think we need permission slips signed to get on here(gretch and I), can you see if J2 will allow us.LMAO
Posted by: kurt2 | Nov 30, 2007 12:07:38 PM
Nope. I'm not paranoid at all. I have a computer, and I read a lot about NASCAR on the computer. And back before Shane got popped and "busted", there were a few other drivers that hung out with him. Were "buddies" of his.
How many drug addicts/users do you associate with? If you have a friend that uses, are you hanging out with them? I say not unless you're partying too. When my friend started using, I stopped hanging out with him. I mean, I'm all about a good damn time, but I don't want to be at the bar, and have to sit by myself for 5 to 10 so my "buddy" can go snort or smoke his mind up. Then sit there for the rest of the evening watching his lower jaw slide to and fro......
Posted by: Gretchen | Nov 30, 2007 12:03:32 PM
Gretchen,
Here's what you said.
"You don't hang with pigs unless you're about to waller in $hit. I know a couple of the superstars were BIG buddies of Shane's", thus you're implying that through association with Shane, they partied hard (drugs?).
So who are these BIG buddies and what are the rumors out there regarding illicit drug use?
Please tell me you're not getting that disease known to some of us as K2ism: I heard this voice.......
Posted by: Jon2 | Nov 30, 2007 11:55:27 AM
what i'm saying counselor os that some of NASCAR's more popular divers were- by their own admission- "buddies" with Shane Hmiel. You seem to be a smart person, with good computer skills. You can do your own research. And just to soothe your mind, none of your boys ever- to my knowledge- admitted any alliance with Hmeil. So calm down sweetpea.
Posted by: Gretchen | Nov 30, 2007 11:29:52 AM
K2,
Thanks for your answer.
But the important question, is this and you overlooked the other part of my comment, was, "So you can say with the utmost confidence, that neither steroids or drugs are used by any of the pit crew members in NASCAR?"
Just would like your insight into that matter.
Gretchen,
So a couple of the SUPERSTARS were/are "BIG buddies" of Shane. Are you saying that Shane had company dipping the "snuff" because in my view you're implying it.
A yes or no answer would suffice.
Posted by: Jon2 | Nov 30, 2007 11:12:57 AM
Keith,
Glad I impressed you. I went 0-60 when you felt the need to make it a point to tell me to grow up, and be so utterly judgemental. Anyone whom hasnt shared your view you chose to debate on this topic.
J2-
Yes it does usually take me less time with you, you have the recored I believe 0-10 secs with you.
And I dont call it "rattled",I call it getting pissed off.
Posted by: kurt2 | Nov 30, 2007 10:45:48 AM
AND, it took me 122 seconds that time to use fould language for those of you that are counting....
Posted by: Gretchen | Nov 30, 2007 10:17:12 AM
"Let me tell you if he's high on something, anybody with half a brain will know it and he'd never get close to getting into the cockpit of any competitive car." jon2
I would think so, but isn't it weird to you that his race team didn't have a clue he was hooked on junk? They never alerted NASCAR to ANY problems with Fike. Isn't that strange? Here is an admitted junkie, who's employer never reported any erratic behavior or "reasonable suspiscion" to NASCAR. That reaks of something to me......and the only way around this is random testing all across the board, all series, even the Busch west, east etc. Or are they now Nationwide West and East? oh well.....
" Hell some people would shit if there drivers(which some of you guys are fans of) were popped and your mouth would have hit the keyboard.
That being said you WILL NEVER SEE THEM POPPED, as its a place to be kept hush, even though it had been seen by numerous people and was a known fact." kurt2
Promise you, mine wouldn't hit the keyboard. I've said before when SM was failing those tests, You don't hang with pigs unless you're about to waller in $hit. I know a couple of the superstars were BIG buddies of Shane's.
"It's a privilage to serve, not a right. Like, driving in NASCAR. It's a privilage, not a right." Keith
I agree with you there. A lot of my older family members served, and they can all to this day drink like fish, lol! But drugs....f**k that. Because it seems,IMO, to be instilled in them that they were priveledged to do what they did. And to be able to drive in NASCAR is also a priveledge. Not on the scale of serving, but it is STILL a priveledge.
Posted by: Gretchen | Nov 30, 2007 10:11:51 AM
Keith,
60 secs!
Usually takes him less time than that. Must've been a slow day for him. When he gets rattled that's how he and Gretchen respond, lot of cussing.
K2,
So you can say with the utmost confidence, that neither steroids or drugs are used by any of the pit crew members in NASCAR?
Posted by: Jon2 | Nov 30, 2007 9:27:34 AM
K2,
Wow zero to foul language in less than 60 secs. I'm impressed.
Rich,
I wonder if this would even be an issue if he didn't have those purse strings and connections.
Posted by: Keith | Nov 30, 2007 8:10:19 AM
Fike willing used the drugs and created his own problems, so adios, chiao and happy trails mfer. There's too many good clean drivers waiting for the shot at the bigtime to worry about this spoiled brat. Boohoo go back home and blow the family fortune on your junk!.
Posted by: Rich | Nov 30, 2007 8:04:51 AM
Sure everyone makes mistakes...and deserves a second chance in life.
However, I don't think he deserves a 2nd chance at risking the lives of other Nascar drivers. He had his dream job and screwed it up. He still has opportunites to do other things and deserves the help needed to get a new chapter in his life started...but his chapter in Nascar as a driver should be closed forever in my opinion.
Posted by: NC Expat in Hong Kong | Nov 30, 2007 4:11:24 AM
Keith,
Grow up...????? I am grown, thanks for asking someone whom lives and breathes it weekly to grow up. get off you god damn holier than though crap.
Sorry Kat
Posted by: kurt2 | Nov 30, 2007 12:37:37 AM
Keith,
Who the fuck died and made you God, and executioner?
I will take Gretchens side, gimme time to get to NC on the test? you asked on Gretchen...Sister can glady anwser this for me....And I didnt ask your "permission "to the fact of agreeing with her.
This isnt his 2nd chance jump off your horse and stop.
Posted by: kurt2 | Nov 30, 2007 12:35:33 AM
kurt2,
Grow up. You get me the facts on instant tests. I'm not sure why you're taken w/Gretchen, but that's your business.
Have I ever done anything wrong, made a mistake? Sure, we all make mistakes. Mine, duty wise, have never involved shooting a missile after my last fix. And, don't you think 24 is a little bit old for people to make excuses for? Remember, if NASCAR forgets, just one time, it sets a precedent. So, lets see...Heroins ok, but we'll stop at what, freebase and bourbon? Be real. Where does it end?
He's alive and I'm glad he's repented, whatever. That IS his second chance...NASCAR owes him nothing. I'm sorry but you usually only get one chance at the golden ring. His second chance is life. I hope he grabs that ring. If driving was his only skill, I guess he blew his dream. But, let's not focus on the fact that he's alive and able to move on. Let's just lament that he can't drive ever again. Whatever...
Posted by: Keith | Nov 29, 2007 11:51:47 PM
J2 , you get it first since your the last to post..:
Steriods on Pit Road, WTF. Uh no. Its called working out, I am not hitting a freaking 280lb linebacker for hour on Sunday. That last paragraph was nuts.
Cant say the pst 3 to 4 years drugs have been the issue, prior it was. Hell some people would shit if there drivers(which some of you guys are fans of) were popped and your mouth would have hit the keyboard.
That being said you WILL NEVER SEE THEM POPPED, as its a place to be kept hush, even though it had been seen by numerous people and was a known fact.
Grethchen,
I believe what you stated on the instand thing, and if some here want to label you a ragin bitch,so be it.Keep being one, as I am glad and apprecaite not beating around the bush.
Keith,
I am taken and agreeing with Gretchen on the instant test. You want facts I can get them for you , as far the name of the test conducted.
You mentioned the so many things, have you never done anything wrong and feel on your face and someone never gave you a chance????
Many have said, this kid should be never allowed in, I disagree. Shane was allowed in and wathced like a HAWK. He screwed up and IMO lost his last shot ever.
But to take a 24 year old and say "oh well you out, you can try to redeem yourself but we wont allow you", is BS period.
In regards to NASCAR needs to do something with a policy, yes they do.Can they afford it, HELL YES. There anwser to insurance, drugs and anything else is deemed a "independent contractor" so we dont cover it.
Posted by: kurt2 | Nov 29, 2007 10:15:35 PM
Let me tell you if he's high on something, anybody with half a brain will know it and he'd never get close to getting into the cockpit of any competitive car.
If he gets a reprieve from NASCAR, he'll be closely monitored like apparently the Shane guy was.
But like I stated above, highly unlikely any owner with mainstream sponsors is gonna back this guy in one of their cars even if he becomes squeaky clean and gets religion.
If I were Fike, I'd be looking for another line of work, perhaps in the garage, maybe even on a pit crew.
Didn't someone above mention there were rumors of drugs/steroids happening in the pit areas? Hum, maybe a bigger problem than what NASCAR would be willing to admit to. Temptations probably there to boost the muscles using steroids for some of the pit crew members who handle the tires, gas cans, & the heavy stuff. Don't know, but perhaps could be.
Posted by: Jon2 | Nov 29, 2007 8:47:07 PM
jeff,
I have problems with both those scenerios. Closed course with safety standards doesn't mean impervious to harm. Racers die from track injuries. J.D McDuffie, a race fav of mine died at a closed course. So, we just triviolize racing incidents and flaunt meaningless Aunt Martha (who I'm sure is a worthy woman) facts.
Posted by: Keith | Nov 29, 2007 8:39:17 PM
Whats the problem with him driving a racecar on a closed course with other drivers in cars with safety equipment as compared to driving down the interstate next to Aunt Martha's mini-van with 6 kids on board?
Posted by: jeff | Nov 29, 2007 7:35:39 PM
Dj,
Nope, guess you don't have to bring facts. You used other peoples facts. When you state others facts it's best to insure they're right.
Me, when you bring something to the table we'll discuss.
Posted by: Keith | Nov 29, 2007 7:33:20 PM
A walk, Keith?A walk where?I wasn't aware that I had to brings facts to a blog to have an opinion.Most of what I posted was an opinion that didn't need facts.What facts are you asking me for?Prove what to you?Hell,I was asking questions and made it aware that I was no drug expert much less an expert drug tester as you act like you are.Lighten up.........It's the Holidays!
Posted by: DJ | Nov 29, 2007 7:00:52 PM
Gretchen
I don't think you come off as a "raging bitch".Quite the contrary,I find a lot of what you say enlightening.K2 can verify this,but the way I hear it works is someone has to rat someone out for NASCAR to do anything.As early as Tim Richmond,several drivers went to Nascar about his behavior at Michigan.The same with Grubb and Hmiel.
I guess what I was trying to say,IMO,Fike had probably used up several "second chances" and if he had not got careless and got caught by the police,he would probably still be driving.I don't think he needs to be driving and I don't think Nascar will approve him again.
I'm sorry about your friend,that is very sad.
Posted by: Short Lady | Nov 29, 2007 6:46:57 PM
DJ,
You guys are funny....It's the holiday season so you get a walk. It's been somewhat interesting listening to your opinions, but that was it...somewhat. You don't bring facts to the table.
G,
First off, I have nothing but praise for the 911 people who serve us. And, btw, I think I was the one you pointed at
"As someone above said, NASCAR doesn't just have "image" issues. It's a safety concern. Seems the way to deal is like every other professional sport has. Random UA's at the track, and for the various teams to have their own random UA's as well. I just don't see why NASCAR won't do it." - G
G, I could care less where your dispatch center is. You can't test a person for anything except alcohol instantly, unless there's residue of the drugs. Maybe, you're just confused about the tests.
DJ,
Prove me wrong...
Posted by: Keith | Nov 29, 2007 5:53:05 PM
DJ,
Far from it. But, I live with the rewards/penalties of my actions. Even as a little sailor, had I chosen to indulge in drugs, I would have expected to be disgraced and discharged. It's a privilage to serve, not a right. Like, driving in NASCAR. It's a privilage, not a right.
Posted by: Keith | Nov 29, 2007 5:36:31 PM
Yeah Gretchen he acts as if he doesn't use the bathroom like the rest of us sometimes I've noticed.Like your style by the way.Oh well opinions are like....Ok Keith,I'll agree with Zero tolerance in the future.I do believe this deal has been an eye opener for all of Nascar so hopefully no one messes up or slides under the cracks.But to me if you don't test all of the people affilated on the track or pit road,that will certainly happen.So Nascar needs to step up the testing,no matter the costs,and for those that have tested positive in the past and slip up again, they are gone.
Posted by: DJ | Nov 29, 2007 5:29:40 PM
He missed the part about- or maybe I failed to say- the dispatch center was IN THE JAIL. I walked through the jail daily. Relatively small agency/department, knew the corrections officers. They tested a lot of folks. VOP offenders, etc. They pissed. Medical Officers tested it. They had results within 20 minutes. THAT is how they got guys for Violation of drug offender probation. And, here's some oddities that I learned....they are "allowed" to score a certain "percentage" -that's how meticulate it is. Sort of like your not "legally" intoxicated unless it's .08. So I guess, they couldn't violate them unless they were "certain degree" f***ed up. lol!!
Yes, I was a lowly dispatcher. Underpaid and underappreciated- even to this day I see lol!!!
DJ, he sounds pretty perfect huh?
Posted by: Gretchen | Nov 29, 2007 5:15:15 PM
I just can't say without a doubt that if I had a son or daughter or husband or wife that were NASCAR drivers, that I would be able to sit there and watch them on a track with a man/woman with these issues.
As someone above said, NASCAR doesn't just have "image" issues. It's a safety concern. Seems the way to deal is like every other professional sport has. Random UA's at the track, and for the various teams to have their own random UA's as well. I just don't see why NASCAR won't do it. For the love of God, the G*dd**n PGA tour is starting next year. WHY wouldn't a sport that puts 43 men on a track every weekend at 200+ miles per hour have a STRONG ( existant ) drug testing policy.
This "reasonable suspiscion" thing is bull$hit. It leaves too much room for manipulation. I mean,
Red Horse Racing couldn't have NOT known he had issues. This isn't like weed and beer. Yet it wasn't brought to NASCAR's attention. To ensure the integrity of the testing, it's got to be random and across the board, and IF one of the superstars gets popped and fails, then so be it.
Posted by: Gretchen | Nov 29, 2007 5:07:43 PM
Keith, are you perfect?
Posted by: DJ | Nov 29, 2007 4:55:37 PM
Also keith,the instant drug tests could be given to those that have given reasonable suspicion to have them [such as FIKE] ...so that others wouldn't feel violated..but in any job in america,there's plenty of random testing every month amongst workers,so it wouldn't be a big deal to the other drivers..and despite what you said,if you paid me 30 million a year like jimmy johnson got this season,I'd be more than happy to give a urine test EVERY time I went to a racetrack.
Posted by: earnhardt nation | Nov 29, 2007 4:55:22 PM
EN, you go ahead and live in your world. A 911 dispatcher, as much as I appreciate them, and their service, has no clue on drug testing.
Posted by: Keith | Nov 29, 2007 4:55:02 PM
Keith, just like gretchen said "drug testing is instant,and cheap" I've had many friends get popped in jail as soon as they took a urine test..its as simple as that..gretchen said she worked for a 911 dispatcher,so I'd think she knows what she's talkin about..not to mention,with my friends being in trouble before,I know what I'm talkin about as well..do you think we just make this stuff up? I'm not that desperate.
Posted by: earnhardt nation | Nov 29, 2007 4:41:48 PM
Gretchen,
I don't know if I'd throw "Raging" in there. If he can't realize what he's lost, he'll never find what he has. It's still his choice.
And, that was Fike's second chance. He got the chance to live again. Maybe, not as a driver, but he has skills and support. It's his chance to succeed.
Posted by: Keith | Nov 29, 2007 4:00:38 PM
Lord knows NASCAR is not a regular job. They had to incorparate a GD diversity initiative to "allow" blacks and other minorities to participate. If NASCAR wants to test them, they'll do it.
Posted by: Gretchen | Nov 29, 2007 3:41:33 PM
"I have heard that he comes from a well to do family,that he brought money to Red Horse "
Short Lady that would make more sense to me in that Red Horse Racing had a heroin addict walking around their shop and "couldn't" tell something was awry. They had no "reasonable suspension" that he had "issues"? Whatever
I come off as being a raging bitch on this issue. I have to write letters to one of my best friends in prison because of crack cocaine. I man that had a full scolarship-academic- out of HS. Brilliant MFer. Family has spent THOUSANDS on re-hab, and various legal fees as his life has snowballed out of control. He lost the house he inherited from his grandfather, his race boat, EVERYTHING. But MOST importantly he lost what he can't replace. He lost the two of the three MOST important things. He lost his wife, and his child ( Parental rights terminated). All he's got left is his life to lose now. And the ONLY thing that's keeping THAT intact is the Florida Department of Corrections. He can't continue in this loooooong suicide attempt.
Posted by: Gretchen | Nov 29, 2007 3:37:11 PM
Gretchen,
You can test for alcohol instantly. Other drugs can be tested instantly only by residue. Unless he comes to the track w/coke/heroin all over him, or a baggie of pot, you have to wait on the tests.
Posted by: Keith | Nov 29, 2007 3:31:51 PM
EN,
Alcohol is instant...You can't test blood or urine that fast. And, yes, it is expensive and time consuming. And, let's not forget your example is with criminals. They've lost a few rights along the way. How would you feel, going to your regular job, and getting a drug test everyday...no, I'm not even listening to your, "I'd be fine with it." You'd resent it. In America, everyone would. It's tantamount to being suspected as guilty w/o cause.
Posted by: Keith | Nov 29, 2007 3:26:10 PM
OH. testing is NOT hard, and IS instant. I worked as a 911 police dispatcher before my present wonderful freaking job, and back in the Jail were test kits....INSTANT results, for many categories of illegal substances. INSTANT. CHEAP. Now, if NASCAR wants to let him back in and IF NASCAR trusts that he will not pull a Kevin Grubb/ Shane Hmiel and be a "repeat" violator, then they could easily reinstate him after a lengthy suspension, and test him before he enters the facilities, and randomly test him at wherever he works ( organization). Something they obviously did to an extent with the above mentioned boys which landed them unemployed in NASCAR.
I can't see where NASCAR CANT reinstate him. They did it for Hmiel. And he tested positive for cocaine.
Posted by: Gretchen | Nov 29, 2007 3:26:00 PM
Kathy
My drug expertise begins and ends with Goody powders.Being a parent of 2 grown kids,I know quite a bit about "second chances".I feel everyone should get a chance to redeem themselves for a wrong they have commited,but we must be careful,because it is easy to cross the line and become an "enabler".I wish I knew the answer about Aaron Fike.I have heard that he comes from a well to do family,that he brought money to Red Horse and I don't know if that is the truth.He may have used up all his chances already.
That said,I think Nascar needs to keep their "zero tolerance"policy and the teams should adopt a firm drug policy,such as the one Keith mentioned.JMO
Posted by: Short Lady | Nov 29, 2007 3:15:46 PM
Kathy,
I'm a definite "NO" on behind the wheel, but, I would have no problem if a team or NASCAR let him work behind the scenes. Teams are, after all, "Independent Contractors." NASCAR's rule, for drivers/crews, needs to make a statement, and have no grey area for drivers/crews (like that's happened in my lifetime). Zero tolerance for "on the track" guys, drivers or crews.
"I do know that NASCAR needs to change their testing policy, it should be random testing all the time, people's lives are at stake." - Kathy
Nice post, Kat. As you summed it up, it comes down to..."lives are at stake." NASCAR needs to be proactive. The stick and ball sports get involved w/penalties when it gets in the way of their perceived, "All American," image. NASCAR has a safety issue, beyond someone ruining an image or hurting themselves, others are in danger.
Above all let me say again, NASCAR, be proactive. It's better than Senate hearings.
Posted by: Keith | Nov 29, 2007 3:15:31 PM
If he's not allowed back,I could completley understand why...I will say this,if its worrying about whether or not he's high when he gets on the track,that can be easily fixed..
when people go to jail,and they have a "live in -work-out" policy in county jails, they get up every morning and go to a regular job,then when works over,they come back to jail in the evening to their cell...but before they enter the cell,they must take a breathalizer AND a drug test..which gives results in about 1 minute...I don't know why big companies take so long for results on drug tests,but I've had friends take em in jail and the results are instant. So if they did that to every driver,there would never be any drugged up people in nascar..its not hard to do for nascar..it really doesn't cost that much..the jails administer that test every day to the " live-in work out " prisoners,and nascar could as well every sunday...maybe its a lot of crap to go through,but so is airport security,and its worth it.
Posted by: earnhardt nation | Nov 29, 2007 2:40:15 PM
DJ
Very good post.
Kurt2
I agree with you also.
Posted by: Blueeyes | Nov 29, 2007 2:32:58 PM
K2
iam wrong on what ?? that nascar DOES NOT need this guy........i didnt know there was a shortage of drivers??
Posted by: aggie | Nov 29, 2007 1:07:46 PM
I could argue either side of these equally as well as the other. But what I can't get past my head is that this kid was given the opportunity of a lifetime. Something that so many people can only dream about having, and he has messed up BAD.
Now, addiction IS a disease. But in a sport where the "players" are traveling in speeds in excess of 200 MPH, is there room for a recovering herion addict? I'm sort of with whoever previously said they've known junkies. Junkies RARELY kick an addiction to smack. Much less kick it in 4 mos. Come on. If any of us had a husband or wife that had to race against this guy, would YOU be comfortable with it? Would YOU trust NASCAR to always be in the "know", and assure that the other people on the track aren't at risk?
And no those of us who live in glass houses should not throw stones, but there is a HUGE god***n difference in a person that takes a drink, or smokes a doobie, and a motherf***er than SHOOTS UP, snorts coke, or smokes crack. I mean, he says he "got in with the wrong crowd". THAT RIGHT THERE WAS AARON FIKE'S CHANCE to walk away from that crowd. In December when, per his comment, he started hanging with said crowd, SOME mechanism in his brain, SHOULD have click and said " hey dude lets DO NOT shoot up black tar herion" . And No, it's not a starter drug either. I believe it goes, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, THEN herion. So face it, this kid had issues PRIOR to meeting this crowd he speaks of.
Now, the REAL scary thing to me is that he didn't get caught by his employer, nor by NASCAR. People around him EVERYDAY did not have "reasonable suspicion" that something was amiss? Or was he too valuble to the team owner and sponsor for it to be brought to NASCAR's attention? The boy got arrested, which is the only reason, NASCAR had a clue he was a drug addict. Or maybe that's the only reason the general public found out about his issues.
Posted by: Gretchen | Nov 29, 2007 11:36:41 AM
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