NASCAR driver Aaron Fike understands where he was headed when he was arrested while shooting up heroin in an amusement park parking lot this summer. Facing a possible one-year jail sentence if convicted of the felony, Fike and his lawyer, Charlie Rittgers, put together a proposal in which Fike promised to speak and pass out literature at schools, race tracks and other places. The county prosecutor agreed to reduce the felony charge to a misdemeanor, and Fike was sentenced to two years’ probation. Fike has returned to Illinois, where he grew up, and last week filed incorporation papers for his nonprofit “Racing Against Drugs.” 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.(ESPN.com)(11-28-2007)
