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Denny HamlinIt's been an emotional past month for Denny Hamlin. About a month ago, he was celebrating a victory in the Pennsylvania 500, which ended a 50-race winless streak. Now his 2008 Lexus LS has been stolen, a car valued at $50,000.

Police have released surveillance footage from a security camera in hopes it will lend clues about the theft.

The video shows two men walking down the driveway after a car pulls up to the gate at Hamlin's home. A female can be seen climbing into the driver's seat as the Lexus is pulled through the gate before a getaway is made.
"I mean, everyone feels violated when their house is broken into," Hamlin said during practice for Sunday's Pep Boys 500. "I hadn't had anything stolen up to that point, but they'll get them."

"There are only so many places you can hide," he said. "It's not like someone stole an Accord or a Camry or something like that. I mean, there's not a lot of use for joy riding in this car."
Hamlin is confident the car will be found because it's so easy to identify. A police report shows it is owned by Toyota Motorsales.

You can check out video of the theft here.
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Hamlin's Lexus Stolen From Driveway originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sat, 05 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Tom HerreraSat, 05 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EST Jeremy Mayfield's Stepmother Arrested Outside Suspended Driver's Homehttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2009/08/17/mayfields-stepmom-arrested-outside-home/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2009/08/17/mayfields-stepmom-arrested-outside-home/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2009/08/17/mayfields-stepmom-arrested-outside-home/#commentsFiled under: ,

Jeremy Mayfield Stepmother mom Lisa NASCAR drug drugs meth Sprint Cup arrestedJust when this Jeremy Mayfield saga seemed to be reaching a lull, a key witness on NASCAR's side decided to ratchet up the coverage again -- and not in a manner that's going to do the sanctioning body any good.

Lisa Mayfield, the stepmother of the driver suspended for allegedly testing positive for methamphetamines in May, was arrested Saturday night outside Jeremy's home on charges of public intoxication, alleged trespassing and simple assault among other charges, according to ESPN and other sources.

The arrest was confirmed by the Catawba County, N.C., police chief and certainly won't help the character part of her witness statements that NASCAR has planned to use extensively in its defense of Jeremy's suspension.

The details, per ESPN.com's David Newton:
The arrest was made at the home of Jeremy and Shana Mayfield. According to Shana Mayfield, she and her husband were on their way to Cherokee Speedway in Gaffney, S.C., for a dirt track race when they received a call from a couple that lives on their property.

Shana said the couple heard banging on the door and went to the house to investigate. She said by the time she and Jeremy arrived back at the house, Lisa Mayfield was in handcuffs.

At that point, Shana Mayfield claimed that Lisa Mayfield threatened to come back and "kill me."

"According to the officers she was pretty high," [Catwaba Police Chief Cecil] Cook said. "The officers took her to jail on public assistance ... to make sure she didn't cause problems to anybody or herself. The Mayfields came up [to the magistrate's office] and took charges out. She was arrested on those charges while in jail."

Shana said the simple assault charges were filed because Lisa kicked the wife of the couple and became physical with the couple's pregnant daughter. Cook said officers at the scene did not witness either confrontation.
Lisa Mayfield joined the spotlight of stepson Jeremy's case after NASCAR released witness testimony from her claiming to have seen Jeremy cook his own methamphetamines, as well as claiming that she saw Jeremy doing the drugs roughly 30 times since 1998 -- including a specific incident at the track in Darlington, S.C.

Jeremy Mayfield responded vehemently by denying her claims, accusing her of having a role in his father's death in 2007, claiming she has tried to extort money from him and claiming that she was an alcoholic that was only in it for the money.

Mayfield hasn't raced since being suspended by NASCAR ahead of the May race in Darlington, despite having an injunction temporarily lifted in July before more test results from NASCAR convinced a judge to rescind the injuction. Mayfield has since sold the assets from his self-owned race team.

Lisa Mayfield is due in court Sept. 14 for these charges -- a date that will hopefully be the next time we hear of this saga.

Jeremy Mayfield's Stepmother Arrested Outside Suspended Driver's Home originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Jeremy MayfieldNASCAR Drug testingGeoffrey MillerMon, 17 Aug 2009 14:05:00 EST NASCAR Accuses Jeremy Mayfield of Lying to Federal Courthttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2009/07/27/nascar-accuses-jeremy-mayfield-of-lying-to-federal-court/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2009/07/27/nascar-accuses-jeremy-mayfield-of-lying-to-federal-court/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2009/07/27/nascar-accuses-jeremy-mayfield-of-lying-to-federal-court/#commentsFiled under: ,

Jeremy MayfieldCHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- NASCAR accused Jeremy Mayfield of lying to a federal court about the chronology of a second random drug test, offering to provide an audio tape of the conversation in which Mayfield was told to submit a sample. The driver says the telephone call went to voicemail.

The accusation came Monday in court filings that ask U.S. District Court Judge Graham Mullen to lift the July 1 injunction he granted Mayfield so he could return to racing.

NASCAR disputed the sworn testimony Mayfield provided to U.S. District Court last week, including the assertion that a July 6 request for a second drug test went to his voicemail at 1:18 p.m. He said he didn't get the message until about 40 minutes later, making it difficult for him to meet the two-hour deadline to report for testing.

NASCAR provided a transcript of the actual conversation between Mayfield and Regina Sweeney, an employee of Aegis Sciences Corp., which runs NASCAR's drug-testing program. NASCAR said it would provide the recording upon request.

"I'm calling on behalf of NASCAR who has requested that you take a drug test today within the next two hours ... and I was going to help find you a location that you could go to based upon where you are right now," Sweeney said in the transcript.

"Right, well I'm gonna have to -- let me talk to my attorney first. ... So, and I'll get back with you," Mayfield is quoted as replying.

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INDIANAPOLIS - JULY 26: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's/KOBALT Tools Chevrolet, celebrates with his crew members after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Allstate 400 at the Brickyard at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 26, 2009 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jimmie Johnson
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According to Mayfield's affidavit from last week, he was in a meeting and did not receive the message until 2 p.m. and it was 2:44 p.m. when he was finally told what laboratory to go to -- making it impossible for him to meet the testing deadline.

"Mayfield appears to have completely 'forgotten' that he had a live conversation with Ms. Sweeney ... in which she advised him he could go to a testing place ... the address of which Mayfield did not take down because he wanted to talk to his attorney first," the filing said.

NASCAR also accused Mayfield of lying when he told the court he was instructed to return to his home at 5 p.m., where he waited almost three hours for NASCAR representatives to collect a sample.

"This account is contradicted by Mayfield's counsel, who claimed that at 5:32 p.m., Mayfield was still driving around Concord, looking for the testing location," the filing said. NASCAR submitted e-mail exchanges between Mayfield attorney John Buric and its counsel to contradict Mayfield's claims.

Buric did not immediately return a request for comment.

jeremy mayfieldMayfield was suspended May 9 for failing a random drug test taken eight days earlier for what NASCAR has said was a positive test for methamphetamines. The driver sued, and Mullen lifted the suspension based on the argument that NASCAR's testing system is flawed.

NASCAR has asked Mullen to reverse the injunction based on new evidence -- the failed July 6 test, and sworn testimony from Mayfield's estranged stepmother that she witnessed him using meth at least 30 times over the years.

An appeals court last week issued a ruling that put Mayfield back under suspension, but the request to reverse the injunction is one of the unresolved legal challenges before Mullen.

NASCAR's filing Monday also contends that in addition to the eyewitness account from Lisa Mayfield, it has several other witnesses willing to testify about Mayfield's methamphetamine use if subpoenaed.

"Mayfield has apparently contacted at least one witness to convince the witness that despite her recollection, he never used drugs," the filing said.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

NASCAR Accuses Jeremy Mayfield of Lying to Federal Court originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 23:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Jeremy MayfieldFanHouse NewswireMon, 27 Jul 2009 23:30:00 EST Ballew's Atlanta DUI Charges Droppedhttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2009/04/03/ballews-atlanta-dui-charges-dropped/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2009/04/03/ballews-atlanta-dui-charges-dropped/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2009/04/03/ballews-atlanta-dui-charges-dropped/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's not exactly a major story, but we wouldn't be doing NASCAR Camping World Truck Series owner Billy Ballew justice without at least giving mention to the fact that a DUI charged against him has been dropped.

As you'll probably remember, Ballew was nabbed inside Atlanta Motor Speedway's infield -- come to think of it, it wasn't a good weekend in that infield -- after an 'irate' off-duty police officer working track security stopped his vehicle after seeing a cocktail.

This week, the Henry County Sheriff's Office gave notice that the charge was 'dismissed administratively'.


Such a result wasn't too surprising after reading some of the facts presented in the original article from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Ballew refused a breathalyzer test on the scene, and the article never said if he had ever actually had a blood-alcohol content above the legal limt.

And if Ballew's word is the truth, the situation really only involved a open container infraction because the team owner said he "wasn't drunk" and had just "one drink" before driving his sponsor client from an outside-the-track condominium to a motor home in the infield of the track outside of Hampton, Ga.

Ballew's CWTS team often has Sprint Cup Series driver Kyle Busch behind the wheel, and on that Atlanta week in question, Busch took Ballew's No. 51 Toyota to victory lane on the Saturday following the Wednesday night incident.

Ballew's Atlanta DUI Charges Dropped originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 13:51:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Atlanta Motor SpeedwayAtlantaMotorSpeedwayBilly BallewBillyBallewCamping World Truck SeriesCampingWorldTruckSeriesKyle BuschKyleBuschToyotaGeoffrey MillerFri, 03 Apr 2009 13:51:00 EST Team Owner Ballew Nabbed for DUIhttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2009/03/06/team-owner-ballew-nabbed-for-dui-at-ams/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2009/03/06/team-owner-ballew-nabbed-for-dui-at-ams/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2009/03/06/team-owner-ballew-nabbed-for-dui-at-ams/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Billy Ballew -- the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team owner who Sprint Cup star Kyle Busch often drives for -- was arrested Wednesday evening at Hampton, Ga.'s, Atlanta Motor Speedway on a charge of driving under the influence.

The story, first picked up by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, said Ballew was arrested by a sargeant in the Henry County Sherriff's office after Ballew was flagged down while transporting a sponsor from his at-track condominium to a motorhome in the infield.

Ballew confirmed the story to the paper, but claimed that he was simply carrying a mixed drink and "was not drunk" at the time of arrest.
From the story:
Ballew said he was driving a sponsor from his condominium to the passenger's motor home when "an irate cop" wearing a cap marked "security" stopped him. The condo and the mobile home, said Ballew, are both on racetrack property.

Ballew said he refused to take a breathalyzer test, but acknowledged that he was carrying a mixed drink in the car when he was pulled over.

"It was only one drink. I was not drunk," Ballew said. "I was on Atlanta Motor Speedway property. I was not on the highway."
Unfortunately for Ballew, simply being on private property doesn't usually affect a DUI charge. However, one thing that should be be pointed out is that there is no specific mention of whether or not Ballew actually ever tested above Georgia's legal blood-alcohol level limit.

It'll be interesting to see how this all turns out, though I have a suspicion that he'll probably be charged with a lesser offense after the prosecutor's office takes a look at the case.

Last season, the transporter hauling Ballew's trucks and team equipment to Texas Motor Speedway burned along the highway en route to TMS, and a quick-thinking hauler driver pulled out the truck that Kyle Busch was supposed to race that weekend. The truck suffered cosmetic burns but was later used in the weekend by Busch.

Ballew's No. 51 Toyota team is scheduled to compete with Kyle Busch in Saturday's Camping World Truck Series race at the 1.5-mile track.

Team Owner Ballew Nabbed for DUI originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 11:29:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>AtlantaMotorSpeedwayBillyBallewCampingWorldTruckSeriesKyleBuschToyotaGeoffrey MillerFri, 06 Mar 2009 11:29:00 EST Drivers Talk NASCAR Drug Testinghttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2009/02/06/nascars-drug-testing-has-drivers-talking/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2009/02/06/nascars-drug-testing-has-drivers-talking/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2009/02/06/nascars-drug-testing-has-drivers-talking/#commentsFiled under: , ,

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Ironically, in the week one of America's great Olympic champions is embroiled in a drug controversy, another of its favorite pasttimes is conducting its first large scale drug testing.

NASCAR finished its first round of mandatory drug tests and will continue to conduct random tests throughout the season. It's a big step for the series, which has only tested with probable suspicion for the previous 59 years of its history.

But in this sport, being under the influence of a drug could mean death for you or another - there's no gray area at 200 mph.

In a magazine article last year, former series driver Aaron Fike claimed he competed in a 2007 Truck Series race under the influence of heroin. The news outraged drivers and drew widespread attention to what seemed an outdated and perhaps unrealistic policy.

Drivers themselves publicly called for tougher policing by NASCAR, which ultimately re-examined and modified its drug policy.

"I honestly doubt anyone is using drugs to improve their performance," said Sprint Cup Series rookie Scott Speed, sharing that he was never drug tested while competing in Formula One. "I don't even know what you would take to become a better race car driver.

"I think with the stuff that has happened, finding out that people were using recreational drugs before driving is a bit scary. This is a step in the right direction.''

NASCAR isn't just testing the drivers, but the entire teams, from the tire changers on pit road to the engineers who don't even come to race track.

As far as anyone knew this week, no one had been suspended because of a positive test.

"I passed - I think I got a 98," owner/driver Michael Waltrip said half-jokingly.

"I love the fact that NASCAR stepped up and said that's what we have to do. Everyone needs to be held accountable.

"Sometimes when race car drivers are independent contractors, that in itself says, 'I'm independent,' and the truth is whether it's me or some kid just starting up - a lot of people's livelihoods depend on what you do and how you act."

The amazing thing isn't that NASCAR hasn't found any violations, but that it's taken so long to realize this basic and small step was so necessary.

"We need to be proactive, we need to separate ourselves from other sports," said three-time reigning champ Jimmie Johnson.

Drivers Talk NASCAR Drug Testing originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 13:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>fanhouseindaytonajimmiejohnsonmichaelwaltripscottspeedHolly CainFri, 06 Feb 2009 13:15:00 EST Aaron Fike's Heroin Admission Should Force NASCAR to Change Drug Policieshttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2008/04/10/nascar-needs-to-change-after-fike/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2008/04/10/nascar-needs-to-change-after-fike/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2008/04/10/nascar-needs-to-change-after-fike/#commentsFiled under: ,

In case you missed it, suspended Craftsman Truck Series driver Aaron Fike dropped a compelling interview on the pages of ESPN the Magazine this week talking about his heroin bust dating back to last summer.

For a quick refresher, Fike, who had just finished 5th at Nashville in a race, was caught outside Kings Island amusement park near Cincinnati, Oh. last summer with his bride-to-be with heroin and drug-related items. He was later suspended indefinitely from NASCAR competition.

In his interview, Fike talked at some length about his growing habit, then dropped this bombshell on the racing world:
"It was pretty obvious what we were doing," Fike admitted. "So when they tapped on the window I tried to get the hell out of there. Now I know that being arrested saved both of our lives."

Only seven days earlier Fike had posted a career-best fifth-place finish in the O'Reilly 200 at the .75-mile Memphis Motorsports Park. The run boosted the rookie of the year favorite to eighth in the NCTS championship standings. He said he used heroin earlier that day.
Yes, that's right. Fike had heroin in his system while racing in a NASCAR-sanctioned event.

Say all you want about the driver, but he's the one changing his life and helping others after making a mistake that ultimately has ruined his racing career for the time being.

But what has NASCAR done? Changed their policies? Learned a lesson?

Not even close.
NASCAR's current drug policy in itself is worthy of a congressional hearing like the rest of the sports world in the United States is getting. The current method of deterring drugs in the sport could be coined as the "Good 'Ol Boy" method.

The system is simple. If someone thinks you're under the influence or if NASCAR thinks you are, they'll test you. Otherwise, you've got nothing to worry about.

That covers all members of a race team from the driver to the guys on pit road.

Random testing simply doesn't cross the vocabulary of the sanctioning body.

You would think that of all the sports, racing would be one those that you would like to see a more stringent testing policy. As Michael McDowell showed, even driving without any influences can be plenty dangerous.

Fike was only caught because he was nabbed by police. There's no telling in how long he could have continued racing with his addiction only getting worse.

NASCAR really needs to step up to the plate here and make some swift changes. Define some banned substances (this wouldn't have to go as deep as the HGH and steriod thing) and get a program started with random testing.

Surely, if Ryan Newman can draw a penalty for his car being too high at Texas, drivers that actually are can be penalized as well.

Aaron Fike's Heroin Admission Should Force NASCAR to Change Drug Policies originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 18:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>AaronFikeGeoffrey MillerThu, 10 Apr 2008 18:45:00 EST Dario Franchitti Fights Crime Without Pantshttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2008/01/15/dario-franchitti-fights-crime-without-pants/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2008/01/15/dario-franchitti-fights-crime-without-pants/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2008/01/15/dario-franchitti-fights-crime-without-pants/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

If you're a weirdo looking for Ashley Judd inside her own home, make sure there isn't a Scottish guy sitting at her table in his boxers.

And make sure his name isn't Dario Franchitti.

The 2007 Indianapolis 500 winner-turned-NASCAR-driver apparently isn't a fan of random people walking into the home that he and wifey Judd share in Nashville, Tennessee. So much so that he will jump into his car with nothing but those boxers and a white t-shirt on and chase people until the police find them.

That's at least how Dario told the story Monday night to reporters over a dinner after NASCAR testing at Daytona International Speedway. From ESPN's Terry Blount:
"I was just sitting in the kitchen, eating a bowl of cereal in my boxer shorts," Franchitti said. "I looked up and some guy is standing in front of me. He just walked in the house.

"I really don't think I was the one he was looking for, but the guy quickly turned around and ran out of the house. He got in his car and sped off. So what did I do? I got in my car and chased him."

But Franchitti forgot one important thing in his quest to catch the intruder.

"The police caught up [to] the guy before I did," Franchitti said. "And apparently some people in the Nashville media also heard on the [police scanner] about it, so they were there, too. They came up to talk to me about the time I realized I was still in my boxer shorts. I had to stay in the car the whole time."

That likely goes down as the single-best NASCAR driver story of the off-season. But I can't decide which part is the best -- Dario proving he's like the rest of us during a lazy morning or the fact that the unnamed stalker guy thought he would get away from, oh, just a really good race car driver.

Props to Dario on this one. And welcome to NASCAR. %Gallery-7156%

Dario Franchitti Fights Crime Without Pants originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 21:08:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Ashley JuddAshleyJuddDarioDario FranchittiDarioFranchittiNASCARTestingGeoffrey MillerTue, 15 Jan 2008 21:08:00 EST Kahne's Brother Differs; Suit Asks for $15,000http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/12/19/kahnes-brother-differs-suit-asks-for-15-000/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/12/19/kahnes-brother-differs-suit-asks-for-15-000/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/12/19/kahnes-brother-differs-suit-asks-for-15-000/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Tuesday, word came out about legal troubles involving Sprint Cup Series Driver Kasey Kahne. The Gillette-Evernham driver has a misdemeanor charge of battery against him as well as a civil suit from his actions stemming from an altercation with a security guard at Homestead-Miami Speedway in November, which you can read more about here.

The lawsuit has been officially filed, seeking $15,000 in damages for Archibald Hutchison, the security guard at HMS that Kahne allegedly knocked to the ground -- while wearing his Busch Series driving suit, nonetheless -- for this oh-so-short list of reasons:
bodily injury; pain and suffering; disability; physical impairment; disfigurement; mental anguish; inconvenience; loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life; aggravation of an existing disease or physical defect; activation of a latent disease or physical defect; expense of hospitalization, medical and nursing care, and treatment in the past; expense of hospitalization, medical and nursing care, and treatment to be so obtained in the future; earnings lost in the past; and loss of ability to earn money in the future.
To be honest, I'm a little surprised that the suit is only requesting 15 grand. That's got to be one of the more legitimate financial claims to come across a court room for a major public figure in a long time.

Regardless, the fact that Hutchison was treated for "bruises and abrasions" at the Speedway makes an accusation of "loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life" or "loss of ability to earn money in the future" seem a little outlandish for me. Now, I realize I wasn't there and didn't witness it, but really, did Kahne really shove the dude that hard?

Kasey's bro Kale sure doesn't think so:

In his statement to Aquino, Kale Kahne said he has reaching for his ID but that his brother didn't have his because he'd just been in a car on the track.

"He (Kasey) said. 'I am going to walk to my motor home then,'" Kale Kahne wrote.

"One guard got in front of Kasey and grabbed him and said that you are not going anywhere. ...Kasey pushed his hands off of him. The guard lost balance and fell to the ground."
Yeah, it sounds like the typical back-your-bro-up type of story, but it probably, again, is worth noting that this security guard was so intent on not letting Kahne through the gate despite not only wearing a driver suit (referred to as "jumpsuit" in the lawsuit) and riding a golf cart.

Kahne's arraignment is Jan. 8.

Kahne's Brother Differs; Suit Asks for $15,000 originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Wed, 19 Dec 2007 11:16:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>KaseyKahneShovesPeopleNASCARCourtGeoffrey MillerWed, 19 Dec 2007 11:16:00 EST Kahne's Shove Brings Misdemeanor Charge, 'Are You Kidding Me?' Lawsuithttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/12/18/kahnes-shove-brings-misdemeanor-charge-br-are-you-kidding-me/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/12/18/kahnes-shove-brings-misdemeanor-charge-br-are-you-kidding-me/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/12/18/kahnes-shove-brings-misdemeanor-charge-br-are-you-kidding-me/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Kasey Kahne will head to court next month for his role in an incident in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series' season-finale weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Kahne was apparently involved in an altercation with a HMS security guard while trying to access the driver motor home lot. According to the police report:
Kahne was attempting to access a restricted recreational vehicle parking lot on a golf cart after he finished driving his racecar when Hutchison stopped him and asked him for credentials. Kahne stated that he was a driver and didn't need any, then got out of the golf cart and tried to walk through the gate, the report stated. When Hutchison blocked the entrance and asked Kahne for credentials again, Kahne pushed Hutchison to the ground [...]
For that incident, Kahne will now face a misdemeanor charge of battery in a January 8 court appearance in south Florida.

Kasey Kahne must be a really hard pusher (or trying to fit the role of a Budweiser driver better) as the security guard, Archibald Hutchison, still hasn't returned to work -- according to a lawsuit to-be-filed against Kahne.

To me, it looks like a man trying to make a buck or million off of a very small incident. But I'll let you decide:

Hutchison, who was advised not to let any unauthorized people through gate 208 without exception, was treated at the speedway's medical facility for minor bruises and abrasions, according to the report. Dohan said Hutchison hasn't been able to return to work because of his injuries.

Dohan said his client has suffered emotionally from the incident and is "getting killed" by NASCAR fans on Web site blogs. He also said he planned to have his client speak with the media about the lawsuit at a news conference planned for Tuesday.
Can you say money-hungry? Without a doubt.

I should really stop saying things about Hutchison to benefit Kahne's cause, but dang, when have bruises and abrasions caused someone to miss work for nearly a month? And why exactly should Kasey Kahne be held responsible for what other people do?

He shouldn't, and legitimately half of those claims should be thrown out. "Treated and Released" should speak volumes.

Should Kasey Kahne have tried to use his fame as a tool to get him places? No.

Should he have pushed Hutchison? No.

Am i condoning pushing 62-year-old men to the ground for fun? No. (Could it be fun? I'll let you decide.)

I'd imagine Kahne will do something to plea down the misdemeanor (if that's possible) and end up with some community service. But the lawsuit? That's ridiculous, and any judge that lets that proceed as stated is not thinking correctly.

Stay tuned to NASCARCourt here at the 'House as we'll keep you updated.

Kahne's Shove Brings Misdemeanor Charge, 'Are You Kidding Me?' Lawsuit originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Tue, 18 Dec 2007 17:37:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>KaseyKahneShovesHardNASCARCourtGeoffrey MillerTue, 18 Dec 2007 17:37:00 EST Fike Finds a Heroin Felony Detrimentalhttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/07/12/fike-suspended-before-test-conviction/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/07/12/fike-suspended-before-test-conviction/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/07/12/fike-suspended-before-test-conviction/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

NASCAR announced Wednesday that Aaron Fike will be suspended indefinitely from sanctioning body activities.

Fike was arrested over the weekend at King's Island amusement park, just outside Cincinnati after officers there found a remarkable assortment of heroin-related items.

NASCAR had previously discussed waiting on drug test before deciding penalties, but instead looked at the evidence available and suspended both Fike, 24, and his significant other, Cassandra Davis, 21, on the basis of "actions detrimental to stock car racing."

I suppose anything involving a theme park and heroin would likely fall under that category for NASCAR drivers -- especially when news outlets are simply reporting headlines such as "NASCAR Driver Arrested on Heroin Charge."

It doesn't shine too much good light on the situation for anyone.

Davis was a crew member of Fike's No. 1 team.

Fike drives for the No. 1 Red Horse Racing entry in Craftsman Truck Series competition. A rookie there, Fike currently sits 8th in points.

Kind of makes you wonder why heroin became so important -- at least enough to visit a very public place with it in a suspicious vehicle, hm?

David Green will fill his seat in the next race at Kentucky.

Fike Finds a Heroin Felony Detrimental originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Thu, 12 Jul 2007 11:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Geoffrey MillerThu, 12 Jul 2007 11:25:00 EST NASCAR Child Molester Pleads Guilty Again, Victim's Mother Spouts Off on Fanhousehttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/07/10/nascar-child-molestor-pleads-guilty-again-victims-mother-spout/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/07/10/nascar-child-molestor-pleads-guilty-again-victims-mother-spout/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/07/10/nascar-child-molestor-pleads-guilty-again-victims-mother-spout/#commentsFiled under: , ,

"John Wisham."

The name in and of itself isn't creepy until you know that it's the online moniker that former NASCAR publicist Richard "Chip" Williams used when luring adolescent girls (and federal agents) into his lair. Then it just makes your skin crawl, kind of like creepy guy from that old-school after-school child-molester special.

In June, Williams plead guilty to several child-sex charges in connection with a four-year relationship with a young girl that began when she was aged 11. It came as no surprise Monday when he again plead guilty to the State of North Carolina's charges in the same case.

What is a surprise is that any NASCAR driver, or anyone for that matter, could support this guy.

Victim's Mother "Furious and Sick" over Driver Support
After my post about two Nextel Cup drivers supporting the convicted sexual predator, the mother of the victim paid a visit to Fanhouse to share her thoughts:
You guys don't have a clue what kind of sick, perverted monster Richard Williams really is. To sit in that courtroom last Friday and listen to letters of support, including those who said they would hire Richard Williams tomorrow, made me FURIOUS and SICK! As far as the NASCAR drivers who pledge their support and begged the judge to give him a second chance, they obviously do not have an inclining of the torture and abuse Richard Williams inflicted on my daughter! Who in their right mind and moral conscience can support with open arms a sick child molester like "Chip" Williams???? No one, including his wife (who says she will not seek a divorce and will continue to wear her wedding ring) has a clue to how disgusting this "man" is. And for the record, the names of the NASCAR drivers were not revealed in open court. Has anyone noticed how those same drivers haven't come forth publicly to show support of Mr. Williams???
This isn't an hysterical mother, by the way. Well ok, maybe she is hysterical, but if so, I'd say her hysteria is warranted. Even the judge confirmed "far more torture and forms of activity the court has ever seen in a case of this nature." What mother in her right mind wouldn't be hysterical?

So, has anyone noticed that these drivers aren't publicly showing their support? Um, yeah, I have.

I wonder if it could be a former clients/associate. Someone so willing to "hire him tomorrow" has probably hired him in the past. Let's have a look at the list from the now-defunct Williams Company website:

John Andretti, Stanton Barrett, T.J. Bell, Ward Burton, Jaime Camara, Derrike Cope, Chris Festa, Larry Foyt, Travis Geisler, Robby Gordon, Tina Gordon, Klaus Graf, Jeff Green, Travis Gregg, Ernie Irvan, Sterling Marlin, Jeremy Mayfield, Eric McClure, Jamie Mosley, Jerry Nadeau, Joe Nemechek, Kyle Petty, Robert Pressley, Bob Rathbun, Ricky Rudd, Greg Sacks, Ken Schrader, Morgan Shepherd, Brandon Whitt

Slim pickens for household names. Who among them would go out of their way to write letters in support of an admitted and convicted sexual predator?

Update: Victim's mother responds to Fahouse commenters.

NASCAR Child Molester Pleads Guilty Again, Victim's Mother Spouts Off on Fanhouse originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Tue, 10 Jul 2007 03:43:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>tallglassofmilkTue, 10 Jul 2007 03:43:00 EST Fike and Fiancée Arrested on Drug Chargeshttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/07/08/fike-and-fiancee-arrested-on-drug-charges/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/07/08/fike-and-fiancee-arrested-on-drug-charges/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/07/08/fike-and-fiancee-arrested-on-drug-charges/#commentsFiled under: ,

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Aaron Fike and his fiancée, Casi Davidson, have been arrested on drug possession charges:
According to police, Fike struck a Kings Island security officer with the side mirror of his car as he drove away.

When Mason police arrived on the scene, they found heroin inside his SUV as well as syringes and spoons with residue.

Fike, who sits eighth in points, currently drives for Red Horse Racing. To my knowledge, the team has not yet released a statement.

Yet another NASCAR driver flushing his career down the drain instead of the drugs.

And heroin? That's a new one to me for NASCAR. Cocaine, yes. Heroin? That's a whole different ballgame.

Update: Statement from Red Horse Racing

According to news sources, Aaron Fike, who has made 12 starts in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series behind the wheel of the No. 1 RFMS/Red Horse Racing Toyota this year, and his fiancée Casi Davidson were arrested at Kings Island theme park in Ohio on Saturday on drug possession charges.

"We were made aware of this incident this afternoon," said Red Horse Racing's General Manager and Team Owner, Tom DeLoach. "We are working with NASCAR to obtain further information on the incident and will release more information as the facts become available to us."

Previously on Fanhouse
NASCAR Suspends NCTS Driver Indefinitely

Fike and Fiancée Arrested on Drug Charges originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sun, 08 Jul 2007 14:26:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>aaron fikeAaronFikeheroinnascarred horse racingRedHorseRacingtallglassofmilkSun, 08 Jul 2007 14:26:00 EST NASCAR Drivers Show Support for Convicted Child Molesterhttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/06/02/nascar-drivers-show-support-for-convicted-child-molester/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/06/02/nascar-drivers-show-support-for-convicted-child-molester/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/06/02/nascar-drivers-show-support-for-convicted-child-molester/#commentsFiled under: ,

"I am so sorry for what I've done and the humiliation I've brought into the lives of so many people."
~ Former NASCAR Publicist Chip Williams reading from a prepared statement during his sentencing
Sorry, Chip. Sorry is not gonna cut it.

The words from the convicted child molester, Richard "Chip" Williams, 49, are necessary and sound heartfelt enough, but they've fallen on deaf ears.

The former NASCAR flack has been sentenced to 26 years in prison by a federal court for his "relationship" with a girl that started on the internet when she was aged 11. In December, Williams plead guilty to charges of sexual abuse of a minor, enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity and sexual exploitation of a child. He still faces additional charges from the state of North Carolina.
"This, by far, involves far more torture and forms of activity the court has ever seen in a case of this nature," said U.S. District Court Judge William Osteen Sr.
During the sentencing, Williams' attorney reportedly read two letters in support of Williams that he says came from Nextel Cup drivers with "household names in North Carolina."

What? Which drivers? And exactly what kind of words of support did these drivers had for a man who tortured a young girl--or 50 of them--into starring in a porno?

Drivers, raise your hands please. Unlike some others, I want to know who you are pronto. You are no longer deserving of my support.

NASCAR Drivers Show Support for Convicted Child Molester originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sat, 02 Jun 2007 12:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>chip williamsChipWilliamsnascartallglassofmilkSat, 02 Jun 2007 12:40:00 EST You Didn't See a #17 Ford Fusion On the Highway Today, Did You?http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/05/02/you-didnt-see-a-17-ford-fusion-on-the-highway-today-did-you/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/05/02/you-didnt-see-a-17-ford-fusion-on-the-highway-today-did-you/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/05/02/you-didnt-see-a-17-ford-fusion-on-the-highway-today-did-you/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

If so, call the Dekalb County Sherriff's. And then email us at the FanHouse -- that's one heckuva story!

It could happen soon in the Atlanta area as one of Matt Kenseth's show cars was stolen from a Hampton Inn there Wednesday morning. The show cars are retired machines that are used for promotional purposes.

It wasn't like the car was parked by itself in the parking lot, but rather, in a Ford F-350 pickup coupled with a Featherlite trailer with the car inside was stolen as well. The thief realized quickly that the large 17 and other sponsorship on the side of the hauler could be a little too easy to spot -- so they unloaded the car and left with it.

I'd imagine that Kenseth's car -- or a former car now that it's a show car -- was loaded on to a waiting trailer and has left town.

But how freakin' weird would it be to say, be heading down the Dan Ryan tomorrow morning and get passed by a Nextel Cup Ford Fusion? I'd like to see someone try to race that 800hp beast. Back down, BMW!

I'd have to say the race car at this point is valued at about $70,000 because it's not been through a wind tunnel in a while or raced. Roush Fenway Racing has to be happy that the truck and trailer came back -- after all, they ain't too cheap either.

So race fans, if you think Matt Kenseth just blew your doors off on I-85 this morning, it wasn't him. Give the guy a break and call up Dekalb County at (770) 724-7650.

You Didn't See a #17 Ford Fusion On the Highway Today, Did You? originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Wed, 02 May 2007 22:53:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Matt KensethMattKensethNASCARNextel CupNextelCupGeoffrey MillerWed, 02 May 2007 22:53:00 EST 'America's Toughest Sheriff' to Drive Pace Car at Phoenixhttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/04/13/americas-toughest-sheriff-to-drive-pace-car-at-phoenix/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/04/13/americas-toughest-sheriff-to-drive-pace-car-at-phoenix/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/04/13/americas-toughest-sheriff-to-drive-pace-car-at-phoenix/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Maricopa County, Ariz. Sheriff Joe Arpaio has prisoners wearing pink underwear, performing 'Inmate Idol', and living in a tent city. Now, he gets to drive a pace car.

Phoenix International Raceway officials have announced that 'America's Toughest Sheriff' is going to lead the field to the green flag for next weekend's Subway Fresh Fit 500.

NASCAR has already had its fair dose of Arpaio in the fall of 2005. Remember when Kurt Busch was pulled over with suspicion of drunk driving and later charged with a misdemeanor of reckless driving? That was Arpaio telling the media that "this is Maricopa County and our streets are not to be used as raceways".

Ha. Ha. Creative, Joe.

Busch ended up getting screwed by Jack Roush as a result and suspended for the final two events of the season. But Arpaio and Busch made up later. Kurt had to serve 50 hours of community service (it was really tough -- he bought baseball equipment for a youth league, signed 300 autographs, and threw a first pitch at a Diamondbacks game among other acts). He was later named a Special Deputy by Arpaio, showing his extreme toughness when it comes to traffic offenses.

Lots of folks seem to love this guy (he's in his fourth term and apparently The Rock loves him) and lots of folks seem to hate him for apparently violating civil liberties. This is the NASCAR FanHouse, not the political one, so we're not delving into that side of the story. It's PIR's call that Joe gets in the driver's seat, as hosting the controversial figure must sell tickets or something.

But one question needs to be asked.

Will Kurt Busch wreck anyone or drive with any aggressiveness with ol' Joe watching over him? Tee hee.

'America's Toughest Sheriff' to Drive Pace Car at Phoenix originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Fri, 13 Apr 2007 13:53:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Joe ArpaioJoeArpaioKurt BuschKurtBuschNASCARNextel CupNextelCupPhoenix RacewayPhoenixRacewayGeoffrey MillerFri, 13 Apr 2007 13:53:00 EST Waltrip, Reckless Failure: Asleep at The Wheelhttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/04/10/waltrip-asleep-at-the-wheel/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/04/10/waltrip-asleep-at-the-wheel/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/04/10/waltrip-asleep-at-the-wheel/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Michael Waltrip is sad and embarrassed.

Again.

First the cheating scandal.

Then the repeat DNQs.

Now a reckless driving charge.

From WSOC-TV:
The Highway Patrol says Waltrip was driving about 70 miles per hour in the 55 mile-per-hour zone when he went off the right side of the road in a curve around 1:50 a.m. Saturday. His car then traveled back across the pavement and off the left side of the roadway, sliding sideways and striking a utility pole as it overturned. The car then rolled over and came to a rest on its side.Troopers said a witness saw Waltrip crawl out of the vehicle and leave the scene. When a trooper went to his home around 2:30 a.m. no one was there, but when he went back at 8 p.m. he found Waltrip, who admitted he'd fallen asleep at the wheel.
Waltrip, who suffered deep cuts on his finger and minor scratches to his face, told Eyewitness News he was on his way home to Sherrill's Ford from Charlotte when the crash occurred:
"I was almost home. I relaxed a little bit and ran off the road. I woke up with gravel hitting the car and I tried to correct but it was too late. I had so many emotions when the car came to a stop. I was sad I wrecked. I was embarrassed I wrecked and thankful I wasn't hurt. I hope this is a lesson to kids and adults that you have to be on your game when driving a vehicle."
Waltrip has been charged with reckless driving and failure to report an accident. He will appear in court to face the charges on May 14.

Asleep at the wheel? Really? Is that all? 'Cause you'd have to be pretty tired not to report an accident like that and leave the scene with your own car overturned. Sounds suspiciously like trying trying to avoid charges of another kind ...

Waltrip, Reckless Failure: Asleep at The Wheel originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Tue, 10 Apr 2007 19:52:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>catawba countyCatawbaCountynascarreckless drivingRecklessDrivingsherills fordSherillsFordtallglassofmilkTue, 10 Apr 2007 19:52:00 EST Former Stripper, NASCAR Scam Artist Captured - Againhttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/04/09/former-stripper-and-nascar-scam-artist-captured-again/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/04/09/former-stripper-and-nascar-scam-artist-captured-again/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/04/09/former-stripper-and-nascar-scam-artist-captured-again/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Fanhouse receives some interesting tips now and then and on Easter morning something came in attempting to inspire a post about strip clubs. Nothing NASCAR-related and post-worthy immediately came to mind or seemed appropriate on such a holy day.

A few Peeps later, there's news of a former stripper with NASCAR connections being captured by U.S. Marshals. Now that's enough to inspire a post on a slow NASCAR news weekend.

Who needs feature film entertainment like "The Fugitive" and "U.S. Marshals" when you can just tune in to NASCAR headlines?

Iranian-born Fatemah Karimkhani was taken into custody Sunday after after eluding authorities for three years.

Name isn't familiar? NASCAR fans might remember her alias, Angela Harkness, the "femme fatale who hoodwinked stock-car racing, then skipped town, leaving behind a dead husband and an embezzling lover."

Angela's Motorsports had a Busch Series team that was started with the money Harkness and Gary Jones, a Wells Fargo branch vice president, embezzled in an elaborate loan scheme. They were perceived as the "Diversity Dream Team that would open doors for women and minorities in stock-car racing." Their plan went awry when Jones was fired from the bank and the team's checks started bouncing.

Several employees were victims of their scam, including driver Mike McLaughlin, crew chief Greg Zipadelli's former roommate with whom he won the 1988 Modified Series Championship. After he had the rug pulled out from under him on the 2003 season, McLaughlin never secured another full-time ride.

Harkness pleaded guilty to fraud but skipped the country on $5,000 bail. In 2005, she was arrested in the United Arab Emirates--it's taken almost a year to get her back here. U.S. Marshals were waiting for her when she deplaned in New York City.

Identity Crisis
This woman had claimed to be "an orphan, an heiress, the baby in a family of nine, a college grad with a psychology degree, a teacher, a swimsuit model, a cop, a champion motocrosser, a trophy girl and a linguist with mastery of four languages."

That sounds like a few MySpace users I know who face similar identity crises and rival Harkness with their creative storytelling. We should all hope these peeps never get their hands on any significant amount of money.

No post about a stripper would be complete without a peep show:

CIA Peep Show


Former Stripper, NASCAR Scam Artist Captured - Again originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Mon, 09 Apr 2007 00:57:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>angela harknessangela's motorsportsAngela'sMotorsportsAngelaHarknessFatemah KarimkhaniFatemahKarimkhanifugitivegary jonesGaryJonesgreg zipadelliGregZipadellimike mclaughlinMikeMclaughlinnascarpeepsround rockRoundRockscam artistScamArtisttexasu.s. marshalsU.s.Marshalswells fargoWellsFargotallglassofmilkMon, 09 Apr 2007 00:57:00 EST Stop! (Not) Police Officer! You're Under Arrest!http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/03/23/stop-not-police-officer-youre-under-arrest/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/03/23/stop-not-police-officer-youre-under-arrest/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/03/23/stop-not-police-officer-youre-under-arrest/#commentsFiled under:

Now there's a NASCAR family member's face we don't see every day.

Meet 21-year-old Rachel Otto, granddaughter of NASCAR co-founder Edgar Otto, who is no longer directly involved with NASCAR but is still active in racing with Otto Motorsports.

Apparently, Ms. Otto makes a habit of impersonating police officers. She was busted Tuesday while posing as a Palm Beach County officer trying to arrest an aggressive driver. She was acting like an officer, wearing military fatigues and, as you can see, sporting a "close-cropped" hairstyle.

The would-be arrestee didn't realize what was going on when Otto approached his car at a red light, so when the light changed he took off. Otto chased him and with the help of a third motorist pinned and handcuffed him.

The real officer who later arrived on the scene recognized her from a previous encounter in 2006 in which she also purported to be a Sheriff's deputy. According to police, she has been arrested nine times since 2004.

Reports claim that everyone on the scene of this incident thought Otto was a man, including the woman in her passenger seat, who moved in with her last week!

She's got some 'splainin' to do!

NBC5 Video report

Stop! (Not) Police Officer! You're Under Arrest! originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Fri, 23 Mar 2007 04:57:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>arrestimpersonationnascarpalm beach sheriffPalmBeachSheriffrachel ottoRachelOttotallglassofmilkFri, 23 Mar 2007 04:57:00 EST