Fike certainly establishing name for himself.
 

Well it had been established, just verified. Hearing this was even more disappointing - and scary.



http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/nascar...ory?id=3336865


Hope it will turn out for the best.

Re: Fike certainly establishing name for himself.
 

"Fike has returned to USAC's Midget series, where he is tested upon arrival at the track."

Good work Kevin and Jason. I have no problem with these guys racing while trying to overcome thier demons and get their life back in order as long as they are clean. From the looks of it the new heads of USAC are being proactive and willing to give these guys enough rope either hang themselves or make a ladder all while protecting the other drivers on the track.:applaud::applaud:



"Since 2000, seven NASCAR drivers have been suspended indefinitely for substance abuse problems, four after either failing or missing tests administered under reasonable suspicion. The other three, including Fike, were caught by police."

Walker, Fike, Hmiel......who are the other four?

Re: Fike certainly establishing name for himself.
 

I think it's a good thing for Aaron. Hopefully, it'll help him get his life on track. That's the most important thing.

I know two of the remaining four that were suspended by NASCAR. There were two Grubb bothers in the Busch Series. Kevin and Wayne were their names and I think Kevin is the one that was suspended. Another driver had the last name of Rose. I'm pretty sure it was Brian Rose and he raced in the Craftsman Truck Series.

The last two have me stumped, at the moment! :rolleyes:

Re: Fike certainly establishing name for himself.
 

Tim Richmond was banned for drugs.

Re: Fike certainly establishing name for himself.
 

Shane Hmiel

Re: Fike certainly establishing name for himself.
 

Well, I'm now down to one. Sammy Potashnick was the other driver suspended from NASCAR. I know there was a crew chief that was suspended, but I'm not sure if that counts, or not. I think his last name was Darrow, or something like that.

Mr. Richmond was quite the talent, but did indeed have issues with drugs. That was awhile back and quite "unheard" of back then. I'm not sure of who the last one "Since 2000" might be, but anyhow.

As a side note. I really think racing could be a huge help to those like Fike, Walker and Hmeil. All three of these kids have the talent, so it's nice to see them on the right track.

Re: Fike certainly establishing name for himself.
 

Do your homework on Tim Richmond guys. He was suspended for not turning over his medical records to hide the fact he had AIDS. The "drug" suspension was for over the counter meds.
From wiki:
In 1988, Richmond again tried to make another run in NASCAR (by securing a ride with Ken Ragan's Ford for the Busch Clash), but NASCAR was concerned not only about Richmond's health, but also about how he contracted AIDS in the first place. They subjected Richmond (and Richmond alone) to a drug test and several days later, NASCAR announced that Richmond was suspended indefinitely for testing positive for banned substances. Richmond was livid saying that he had not taken any banned substances and demanded another test, which he passed. NASCAR later admitted that the only substances found in the first test were the over-the-counter medications Sudafed and Advil. They also released the permanent ban, but refused to allow Richmond to drive again until he surrendered his medical records that said he had AIDS.

Re: Fike certainly establishing name for himself.
 

Looks like USAC is far ahead of NASCAR on this issue.

Frank Daigh

Re: Fike certainly establishing name for himself.
 

I for one am glad USAC is giving those in need a second chance to hang themselves.

Which makes me think...if you get a second chance and you hang yourself what are the chances of the rope you hung yourself with being a hemp rope? :O:

Re: Fike certainly establishing name for himself.
 

If you get a second chance to hang yourself, then that means you didn't do a very good job the first time.:D

Re: Fike certainly establishing name for himself.
 

Im all for turning lives around, But Im also for doing the time for your crime.

If you or I had the amounts of heroin on them he did. We'd be in the pokey for several more years.

Chuck, wishing him well with his slap on the wrist.

Re: Fike certainly establishing name for himself.
 

Scott Wimmer?And wasn't Mike Skinners kid busted for transporting "coke "in there hauler(I don't know what seriers he was racing?)

Re: Fike certainly establishing name for himself.
 

It wasn't Scott Wimmer, that's for sure. So, I want to clear his name, if possible.

Anyhow, I'm not sure if it was Skinner's son or Spencer's son. I faintly recall what situation you're talking about, but I might be getting the two names mixed up.

Re: Fike certainly establishing name for himself.
 

SKINNERS SON, SPENCERS KID GOT INTO A FIGHT OUTSIDE THIER HOUSE WITH HIS DAD,I WONDER WHO WON?

Re: Fike certainly establishing name for himself.
 

I thought that Wimmer's deal was crashing a company supplied vehicle, then leaving the scene of the accident. I think he was found hiding under a bed at home by the police....And I seem to remember that drinking was involved....

Re: Fike certainly establishing name for himself.
 

He used heroin on the day of the race he was competing in?

I am glad USAC isn't taking a laid back stance on this.

Re: Fike certainly establishing name for himself.
 

Yes, it was indeed Wimmer who had a run-in with alcohol. However, he wasn't banned from NASCAR for illegal substance, etc.

That's where I was getting confused. Spencer's son was involved in the fight. I want to say that possibly theft was involved, too. Anyhow, I wouldn't mess with any of the Spencer's, that's for sure! :icon_smile_blackeye

Re: Fike certainly establishing name for himself.
 

Thanks for the post. It was very intelligent and informative.

Good luck to Fike.

sincerely,

Larry Otani

P.S. "What's behind me is not Important." From the movie "Cannon Ball Run" with Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. :Steer and that "fat " guy...lol!

Re: Fike certainly establishing name for himself.
 

I Knew those races were boring to watch, but are they so boring that you need heroine to make them enjoyable to race in. Just kidding everyone.

Re: Fike certainly establishing name for himself.
 

here's my take on this article,

There seems to be no remorse on his part for using these drugs and putting all the other driver's lives in danger. There does however seem to be a bit of arrogance suggesting that he has proven how NASCAR's "reasonable suspicion" drug policy doesn't work. To me that is cowardly.

Only time will tell how much remorse he has.

Re: Fike certainly establishing name for himself.
 

If that's how you read the article, then it must not be the same one that is linked to this thread.
Though not specifically stated in the comments chosen by the writer to include in his story (or that editors may have deleted), Fike does indicate remorse for endangering fellow drivers with his comments that the NASCAR drug policy of "reasonable suspicion" did not prevent him from racing. Had the policy prevented his racing, he would not have put other driver's lives in danger.
And, is it arrogant to say that his ability to race while on a significant dangerous drug proves that "reasonable suspicion" doesn't work, or merely a statement of fact?
Jim Morrison

Re: Fike certainly establishing name for himself.
 

I read through it twice and honestly it seems as though you can read either way; without remorse or honestly remorseful. I believe him to be remorseful but an interview with his voice might convince everyone. The written word is everlasting but hard to hear the voice inflections of an interview.

Perhaps www.racefanradio.com or www.talk2drivers.com could do an interview on the subject of the text interview and clear this up for all of us and this young mans future- which appears he has a 2nd chance on.

I wish the Fikes the best and hope his mistakes can help other young ones to not make the same mistakes.

Re: Fike certainly establishing name for himself.
 

Mr. Morrison,

with all do respect, his statement of being able to race while on this significant illegal drug and get away with it seems to be awefully arrogant.

It seems to me that his statements are more along the lines of "Yes, I was on an illegal drug while participating and I got away with it. Maybe NASCAR should review their policies and procedures so next time they could prevent it from happening"

This would be my interpretation of the past articles that have been published.

Re: Fike certainly establishing name for himself.
 

As a big fan of Tim Richmond (back when I actually cared about NASCAR in the 80's, when it was still real racing), I appreciate you clearing the air for the uninformed. If you hadn't, I would have.

On the topic at hand, I admire Aaron Fike for coming out and speaking about this. The fact that he admits to taking heroin on race days is horrific and scary, but clearly he is trying to atone for his mistakes. He knowingly made himself look worse than he already had been viewed in the eyes of "John Q. Public" because he admits to what we all just feared MIGHT be the case; that he was actually on drugs while racing. But, he came clean in order to try to effect change. Clearly this is his path to redemption, and I believe it to be completely genuine. I think Aaron is honestly through with drugs based on his decision to throw himself onto the sword and shine a light on the subject at hand. It seems to me that he merely wants to make certain this never happens again to anyone in the sport of auto racing. It's simply too dangerous to allow for the chance that someone is "slipping through the cracks", and racing under the influence on raceday, in any series. I commend him for that...

Sincerely,

Dean Mills

Re: Fike certainly establishing name for himself.
 

Dean I was a big fan too. In fact the story of the day I got to meet him is one I will never forget. He was one of a kind. Its a crime that his name has been forever besmirched by NASCAR

Re: Fike certainly establishing name for himself.
 

To the memory of Tim Richmond:

I feel your pain.

signed, Bill Simpson

Re: Fike certainly establishing name for himself.
 

I think Tim Richmond was a one of a kind. I never met him, but he had that type of personality that people liked. He was also a fun driver to watch race.

That said, by most accounts,Tim was very reckless in many ways and while he was never known to use drugs on a race morning, he did use. Tim chose to live his life that way and unfortunately he paid an incrediable price for those choices. If Aaron is lucky, he will not pay that same type of price.

As far as Aaron goes though, who knows? Only he knows where he is at and at the end of the day it is very hard to trust an addict of any sort with telling the truth.(Even those addicted racing itself). I don't know him at all really, so I can't really judge him. If he doesn't have the humilty to hold himself accoutable and realize his actions, there is a good chance he could slip again.

I think for people who don't use(like me) or have never been around it, you almost have this cartoonish idea of what drugs do to people(Like the movie Reefer Madness). Almost as if a junkie is some sort of Zombie like creature.Obviously it isn't always like that and it is often hard to tell if someone is using. Especially when they get to the point where they act most normal when they are high oppossed to when they are straight.

One of the problems when discussing this subject is when we get to splitting hairs. One illegal drug is alright and another isn't. When the USAC policy was put in place, the group of people who don't believe pot is wrong to do, where afraid that they or their friends would be affected by the new policy. While another group of people feel that they should test and ban users of all drugs.

So the problem becomes, what if Shane Hmiel or Fike are not caught doing anything more than pot? Should they get the same courtesy as the others and not pay a penalty or since they were offenders of other drug situations in the past, should they pay a heavy penalty?

My opinion is that if it's illegal according to the govt. then it's illegal. No gray area. Any other way then it just becomes a moral judgement or at the very least a popularity contest. Besides:If all you want to do is race and pot isn't addictive, it shouldn't be a hard CHOICE then. Right?

Does this mean I believe they shouldn't get another chance? No. If they have paid whatever penalty given to them, who am I to impose any further judgement. You break the rules, you pay the price and move on.

Re: Fike certainly establishing name for himself.
 

I tend to be a hardliner when it comes to illegal drugs. Since the legal system gave him a pass, that does not mean USAC has to pat him on the head and condone his behavior.
He should sit out a minimum of one year, especially in light of his admission to using during a NASCAR race.
His example is just another reason for young drivers to think they can experiment with drugs, and then boast that they won't suffer any real consequeces down the line.
The kids are laughing behind our backs.

Re: Fike certainly establishing name for himself.
 

Remorse is a touchy thing, and I think that people show it differently. I think that he wants to help change things, like he says he does, in his way that's his remorse; making a positive out of a negative. I hope all of his plans come to fruitition and are successful.

Re: Fike certainly establishing name for himself.
 

Says the man calling himself "Beer Goggles"...:rolleyes:

Re: Fike certainly establishing name for himself.
 

"My opinion is that if it's illegal according to the govt. then it's illegal. No gray area."

Let's make it a little clearer and easier to understand.

If God tells you not to do something then don't do it.


Dale Earnhardt once said "Life is pretty simple when you think about it".

Let's make it simple.

Sincerely,

Larry Otani

Re: Fike certainly establishing name for himself.
 

All,

He didn't get off - he got ordered to treatment. These same decisions are made in courtrooms everyday - if we sent every single person who broke the law for things like DUI or DWI (where people drive cars and endanger lifes) our prisions, which are already bursting at the seams and costing you a lot of money, would be even more over-run followed by calls for more and more money, to build more and more prisions and jails. And as for prision being a place where rehab occurs in cases like this - forget it. Here is a chance for a very young person to reclaim his life - and instead of being a drain on society, to be a contributor. Many people, and I daresay some on this board, have made mistakes, and sometimes these mistakes pile on top of another and suddenly you are in a place you never imagined - it happens to perfectly good people. One reason people get in trouble with drugs is that for a long time they can maintain the facade of a perfectly normal life --- after all - you do Herion and run 5th in a race - what's the problem? Well suddenly you have to do drugs in the parking lot of an amusement park -- Let 's remember the most important thing he said "getting arrested saved my life" He has a very hard fight in front of him - and one that he may not win.

Re: Fike certainly establishing name for himself.
 

It's not just the kids laughing at you. But, at least I am not doing it behind your back.

I have a real problem with people who abuse alcohol on a regular basis (or even embrace the very idea of it with witty little sayings like "beer goggles") but stand on their moral high ground when it comes to so-called "drugs". Alcohol is a drug, people. You can rationalize that fact away all you like, but it still has the same affects on your brain as any other "drug". The fact that alcohol is so widely embraced by our nation is and always will be disturbing to me.

Being the son of an abusive, alcoholic stepfather, I never touched a drop of alcohol until I was 35. Never once. And even now, I never get stupid drunk. Occasionally, I will allow myself to get a little "altered", but only in contolled circumstances, and when I will not be a hazard to society. But, that's just me...

DM

Re: Fike certainly establishing name for himself.
 

DM[/QUOTE]
The fact that alcohol is so widely embraced by our nation is and always will be disturbing to me.


Alcohol is embraced simply because the government collects taxes on alcohol sales and apparently alot of politicians like to drink it.

When I read this article about Fike, my stomach sank to my feet. There were 30-some other drivers every week on the same track with someone who was hopped up on heroin. That is scary. It makes me wonder how frequently it happens at local short tracks. I have personally witnessed a driver drinking beer in the stands one night before a feature race. I may have said something, but I actually worked with the guy and he was very tight with the boss. I lost alot of respect for him that night.

I do wish those drivers who are trying to get back on track the best of luck in changing their ways.

Re: Fike certainly establishing name for himself.
 

Here are a couple of drivers that after the hammer fell the last time, for them, I wouldn't have given you a nickel for what was left of their racing careers. But one (Hmeil) chose to seek the help, in the pits, from some people with unquestionable character. The inverse of guilt by association. The other (Fike) chose to offer up information that couldn't possibly be considered helpful to him. Perhaps self-inflicting a "rock bottom" on himself that NASCAR and the ******** justice system didn't.

The jury's still out on both, but each has chosen a first step that wasn't the easiest path. Each chose fessing up and trying to prove themselves over the typical "It's a disease, I'm a victim" mentality. I wish both success.

Jerry

Re: Fike certainly establishing name for himself.
 

Jerry is exactly right openly admitting you have a problem no matter what the personal cost is one of the steps in any 12 step program. I think Fike is trying to make things right and wish him all the best in his struggles.

Re: Fike certainly establishing name for himself.
 

Change is a comming

http://www.nascar.com/2008/news/head...ing/index.html


Johnson when told about Fike using on race days:
"I cannot believe it. That is absurd," added reigning Cup champion Jimmie Johnson. "I don't know what this means, where things go from here. But I'm so happy they figured out what was going on and got him off the track. That is absolutely unacceptable."

I guess the "They" he is talking about it the Kings Island security force
Wow typical NASCAR talking head that walks the NASCAR line and says what ever the guy that is pulling the strings wants him to say




from Kevin Harvick
"We haven't made any headway whatsoever on the drug testing policy. In the 10 years that I've raced, I've never been drug tested. So to me, that is not a proper professional sports drug policy and I went up and talked to them about it. They were more mad that I had a reaction to the situation than they were as far as trying to move forward. To me, it was just kind of one of those meetings where they were content to listen to what I had to say and that was about it. My name is not Jeff Gordon."

I am starting to like that guy

Re: Fike certainly establishing name for himself.
 

Mills,
You don't know me or my habits, so your comments to me are meaningless.
Case closed.

Re: Fike certainly establishing name for himself.
 

michiganmadman:

"Alcohol is embraced simply because the government collects taxes on alcohol sales and apparently alot of politicians like to drink it."

You are absolutely correct. A first draft of the post you are responding to had that very fact in it, but I decided I was getting off the subject at hand. My disbelief concerning a certain someone's hypocritical stance in which they are seen embracing alcohol abuse while persecuting a known "drug abuser" was the point.

Jerry Shaw wrote:

"
But one (Hmeil) chose to seek the help, in the pits, from some people with unquestionable character. The inverse of guilt by association. The other (Fike) chose to offer up information that couldn't possibly be considered helpful to him. Perhaps self-inflicting a "rock bottom" on himself that NASCAR and the ******** justice system didn't.

The jury's still out on both, but each has chosen a first step that wasn't the easiest path. Each chose fessing up and trying to prove themselves over the typical "It's a disease, I'm a victim" mentality. I wish both success."

Again, I couldn't agree more. Some may see Fike's decision to "out himself" as one in which he is mocking people as if to say, "hee, hee...I got away with it". But, in all actuality, he didn't have to bring this information to light, and actually confirm what we all feared might be the case. Why would he do such a thing? It's simple. He's clearly hoping some good can come from it. I commend him on his decision to do so, and hope that he truly has put his drug use behind him for good.

DM

Re: Fike certainly establishing name for himself.
 

For those of you that are saying the Aaron is telling this story to laugh in the face of society should also think about the fact that maybe he is doing it to get it all out and be able to start over on a clen slate.

Now I am not justifying what he did (god knows I lost a lot of respect for him when this happened) but I am here to let him try to right th ship in his life