Drugs, Got Any?

The mantra of the 60's and 70's. We all joke about the old days and all the stuff we did or didn't do. Ahh, the good old days. Hash brownie's, Mescalene, Purple Mushrooms, every kind of grass known to man, beautiful glass bongs, thousands of pills, elephant tranquilizers (don't ask), colorful rolling papers, opium and so much more. "Heeeeyyy maaann, far out!" Oooooppps, back to reality or the world as we know it here in 2000/2001.

In the last year it has become apparent to me, your eyes and ears in the pits, that some individuals are "tuning up" before going out onto the track. Yeah, I can see a bunch of you going, "WOW, who is it? Let's kick their asses and throw them and their bikes over the fence!"

I know who they are and they know that I know. It should stop, if not, I will make sure that they don't race in any organization in this country.

Now, for your edification: This is nothing new in our sport, fact is, its been going on for years. Some of the fastest riders, some weekend warriors grazing on the regional level, some mechanics, etc. No, I'm not an angel after I leave the track, most of you aren't, but, if you are going to get high before you go out onto the track, the officials have to react. There's way too much on the line with the speed of the bikes today and the level you guys ride at.

Several promoters have known about it, but have done little. Today, with new blood in all organizations, interest is high in getting anyone who "tunes up" to go racing thrown out of the sport. So, for 2001, the deal is: Don't get caught! If you do, you are out of here..... no excuses.

Why? In your drug induced thinking you see nothing wrong. "So, I got a little high, so what's the big deal?" If you don't know the answer... you shouldn't be racing anyway! You remember the Forrest Gump movie... "Stupid is as stupid does." That would be you (a small handful of you)!

A rider came to me at Daytona and said "look at this guy. He has white powder all over his face! His nose is running like crazy and his eyes are all red and watery." He was right! Thinking back over the last few months I remembered all the complaints about this rider and his wild attitude on the track. It all seemed to make sense. So, I made it my business to let him know that some things will not be tolerated. I hope he got the messege. I guess I'll hear in a few days. Hopefully, he did.

Now, for those of you who don't understand but might know one of these riders.... If you are not 100% when you mount up, don't get on the bike. You may not feel guilty about knocking your buddy off his scooter at speed, but you will if he comes after you later, providing he is able. The human body is very fragile out on that racing surface. We all know that. So, why would you jeopardize your life and that of your friends or worse a spectator. One wrong move and a whole series get a bunch of publicity that cannot be undone. Never mind the lawsuits that will follow. The media will come down on you like you were a star.

Keep in mind the insurance companies that write our policies. Somewhere in there is a provision that says.... "no drugs." One individual could kill a series with one stupid act. Think about it!

On the business side... marketing and advertising agency's are looking at us in hopes of finding a new resoure for their customers. A black eye will blow that deal right out of the water. You have all seen how much more money there is in the PACE Series and the AMA PRO Series. It's just the beginning. We all need that money to expand onto the next level. To do this, we must be positive in out thinking.

I'm not the drug police, but if you endanger one of my riders or screw one of them up, I'm coming for you! Our little world is bad enough without adding any more problems to it.

By the way, this goes for anyone caught drinking before going out onto the track!

Smokin' Joe