SOZ on RTR - SOZ Says: It's more than drug testing, it's about respect by Harper

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SOZ Says: It's more than drug testing, it's about respect

4/15/08: SOZ Studios, MI - By Mike Harper "SOZ" (RaceTalkRadio.com)

Special to SOZ on RTR from the Spin Out Zone iMag - Subscribe today!

Aaron Fike, shame on you young man!

Here is the story. Last July, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Aaron Fike and his soon to be bride Casi Davidson were arrested in Ohio after Fike hit a Kings Island amusement park security officer with his SUV. When police arrived they found heroin, syringes and spoons with residue in his SUV. Soon after the arrest, NASCAR suspended Fike from participating in NASCAR events and his team replaced him.

This past week, Fike gave his first interview to ESPN and the 25-year old admitted he had been using heroin for eight months prior to his arrest and said he was using the drug on race days. In addition to his admission of guilt Fike made a shocking accusation, "I've always said if they [NASCAR] tested 80% of the people on Pit Road, they'd find that half of them were doing something."

Then in a jab at NASCAR's current drug policy Fike said, "I think it was easier to do it that way a long time time ago. But I was able to race with heroin in my system, so the policy didn't work with me."

"So the policy didn't work with me," really Aaron? What ever happened to personal responsibility? Why is it that you can go out and do drugs and then turnaround and blame NASCAR for not catching you?

First, NASCAR did not spoon feed you drugs young man. And NASCAR is not responsible to make sure you live a perfect life. So your drug problem was your choice and yours alone. NASCAR has a responsibility to make sure drivers and teams are safe and the implementation of a solid drug program/policy is something they should have in place and if it includes a random check of competitors, then so be it.

But for a young out of control punk to get busted and blame NASCAR's drug policy for his problem and claim - yes claim, that 80% of the people in NASCAR are doing drugs without proof or solid evidence is totally irresponsible and outrageous.

NASCAR Cup driver Kevin Harvick said this week about this situation, "There's another driver that was suspended that I can almost guarantee you was in the race car while he was under the influence and that pisses me off. I'm sure I'll be blasted for saying what I feel, but I don't want to be on a race track with people like that. It's irresponsible more than anything."

I won't blast Harvick for that because I agree 100% with him. Aaron Fike's lack of respect for those who he raced against should upset Harvick and other drivers. Botton line, Aaron put lives at risk by his selfish behavior.

Aaron is starting a drug education web site geared towards kids, but the site is coming as a result of his court-agreed community service. He'll also serve probation for two-years and continue rehab and counseling. He'd also like to return to NASCAR someday.

But SOZ says:

Aaron needs to understand that hundreds of kids would love to be a driver in NASCAR. He took it for granted to feed an addiction. I am one who believes in second chances even for Aaron Fike. But to return he must follow all the rules and guidelines of NASCAR to be reinstated. Under NASCAR's current drug policy, because he was busted, he would be tested regularly. He needs to be 100% clean and ready to live responsibly. That said, and in this case because he put the lives of his peers at risk by being under the influence while racing, I would add that Aaron needs to call every driver he raced against and apologize to them. Each driver!

After speaking with the drivers, if the driver is married, speak to their spouses. Apologize for putting their spouse at risk. When this has been done and everyone can share their thoughts with NASCAR, a decision can be made to let him return.

Instead of making claims of others using drugs, he needs to look in the mirror and do more than what is expected of him.

You know, it's all about respecting the current system set in place by NASCAR. Cheaters of the current system are showing pure disrespect for those who follow and obey the rules of the current system. Even if a new system is established, some stupid irresponsible person will try and find away around it. Just ask former NASCAR driver Shane Hmiel.

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