Like far too few of us, Mike Aiello was all about the other guy. What could he do for someone else when, in truth, he was often in need of help himself. Not emotional help, for in that he was a rock. - Jon Asher

During the early morning hours of December 29, drag racing lost a friend with the death of Mike Aiello. Mike was a kind-hearted individual who never met a stranger. His positive attitude, despite such a bleak personal situation, was infectious. His knowledge of the stats and history of the sport was unparalelled. 

"Big Mike" as we all referred to him, was a behind-the-scenes team player when it came to the success of Torco's CompetitionPlus.com. He made many friends in the sport and after reading a few of these tributes from his close friends and associates, you'll end up with a piece of Mike in your heart as well. 

JON ASHER - "WE HAVE LOST A FRIEND"

You didn’t know Mike Aiello. You may have seen him at the races, a rather large, youngish man confined to a wheelchair painstakingly making his way through the pits, but you didn’t know him. Sadly, if we search our inner souls most of us would admit that, despite our protestations to the contrary, we seldom feel comfortable when confronted with the unthinkable, or what we  personally perceive as being the unthinkable. It could be a sightless individual struggling to traverse a city street with a red-tipped white cane. It might be the sight of an overworked mother calmly dealing with a Down’s Syndrome child in a busy mall, and daring those walking by to turn away. Of it could be a paraplegic confined to a wheelchair.

“Big Mike” may have been physically challenged, but that rarely became evident as one walked alongside him at the track, listening with interest as he dissected subjects as diverse as one driver’s inability to competitively drive in Pro Stock, or how an unheralded tuner was about to make big waves in Funny Car. The scary part was realizing that he not only knew his subjects, he was correct more often than not. The physically challenged part only became
evident when a set of stairs blocked the way, or one of those plastic cable protectors we see at many tracks to handle television cables and the like forced a wide detour.

Aiello was largely unknown by the fans, yet was liked and respected by both professional and sportsman competitors alike. They, like those of us at Torco's Competitionplus.com who were lucky enough to know him, knew that when he rolled up to their pits to talk the subjects would be meaningful and his insights prescient. He was never a time-waster or spotlight-seeker.

On several occasions I watched with considerable interest as Mike approached the plastic barriers holding the public at bay from a popular driver’s pit area, and not once did he ever verbally announce his presence. Sometimes the fans would politely part to enable him to get a closer look, other times he just patiently waited for an opening, but no matter how long he waited, at some point a mechanic, driver or tuner would turn and spot him and
immediately walk to him, lift the barrier and ask him into their inner circle. More often than not, most members of the team would then step forward to greet and exchange a few words with him.

Mike was never there to visit. He was there to check out a story, ask for a quote or just find out what was going on. And then he’d pass on what he’d learned to one of the writers for Torco's CompetitionPlus.com. When Mike spoke, getting a confirmation was never a problem, because the man just didn’t pass along rumors. If he said it, you could take it to the bank.

On numerous occasions Mike contacted one of us to praise our efforts, never once suggesting that without his having tipped us to the story we wouldn’t have known about it. That just wasn’t his style.

I misspoke in suggesting that you didn’t know Mike, because if you ever took a moment to speak with him, you knew him from then on. That was just brought home to me by a friend in California, who happened to call. When I told him of Mike’s passing he immediately blurted out, “I know him. I met him at the races a few years ago, and we spoke often. What a nice, nice man. I can’t believe he’s gone.” Neither can I.

Like far too few of us, Mike Aiello was all about the other guy. What could he do for someone else when, in truth, he was often in need of help himself. Not emotional help, for in that he was a rock. But physically, he did need assistance, and while we did what we could, it just wasn’t enough. I wish we could have done more, and am now left to ponder just what we could have done to have made things easier for him, because in reality Mike was always doing something for us. Maybe it was a word, maybe a smile or maybe one of his always-welcomed email messages of encouragement.

Mike Aiello was all about drag racing, all about helping others and all about the best of what we all hope is in our hearts. Take a lesson from him, and let’s try to be more about the other guy than about ourselves. As Scrooge learned in the Dickens classic, it’s never too late to change. Let Mike Aiello’s example be your guide.

ROGER RICHARDS "HE MADE THIS WORLD A BETTER PLACE"

The world, particularly the drag racing world, is sadder at the moment but it is a better world because Mike Aiello spent 39 years in it.

Mike taught those who would listen and learn how to handle adversity. He was a perfect example of how to be brave in the face of ridiculously inane circumstances.

Mike had two passions in his life - drag racing and helping others – and he blended both into his daily activities. Unable to work or even attend many events, Mike spent hours on the phone keeping in contact with the drag racing community. It seemed he knew almost everyone and what is just as important is that they knew him and respected his love and knowledge of the sport.

In my short experience in drag racing, I would estimate that Mike was in the top five of great minds where drag racing stats and trivia were concerned. At the few events that he was able to attend, he rarely watched the cars on the track. Rather he spent his time in the pits where he felt the real world of drag racing existed – where the people were. He could talk with any team knowledgeably about any issue they may be experiencing and more often than not, provide some feedback that was helpful. Whether the issue was performance or marketing, Mike offered help and ideas.

Infectious laughter! That is one thing that will forever be the hallmark of Mike Aiello. Mike could sit and watch an old sitcom and laugh so hard and so loud that it was almost embarrassing to witness the tears rolling down his contorted face.

Intelligence, joy, love of people, willing to help others, giving…giving to the point that it really hurt to make sure that someone else had what they needed.

Mike was third on his list of people who needed things.  Friends, strangers and then himself were the priorities in Mike’s life.

Even in death Mike is still giving. He is giving me a new focus in life. As over-used as the phrase is, it will never be more appropriate than now:

Be like Mike.

You can’t ask for more.

BOBBY BENNETT "HE WAS A ONE-OF-A-KIND"

I cannot believe you’re gone buddy. What an inspiration you were and will continue to be in my life long after you’ve passed the gates of Heaven. Your actions represented your testimony and your nickname represented the size of your love. Roger Richards had it right when he said your nickname “Big Mike” represented the size of your heart and not your physical stature.

You always proclaimed to be my fan in our conversations, but it was me that was your fan. It was you that quickly amassed a fan club the more people you met. You never tried to be a fan favorite. It just came natural.

We met in the early 1990s and from that time, the phone lines between Houston and South Carolina lit up virtually every day. You even convinced me to come to the Nationals in Houston during the 1992 season. Of course, I got sick eating Buffalo Shrimp the night before and you became the first individual in the history of the sport to be paged over the PA system to transport a sick freelancer back to the hotel.

You never let me live it down.

My ugly trip through Roy Hill’s drag racing school, you never stopped laughing about it.

Those were just two of many good times we spent together. No matter how many years had passed. We still laughed.

I remember when you got hurt. You never used it as a crutch. You used it as a means to inspire others to never give up. After all, you always said if you look around you can always find someone else in worse shape.

We prayed together in the last months of your life and you accepted your condition and felt that God had a plan for you even though your physical body wasn’t at its best.

“It’s my heart, He’s using,” You always reminded me.

And, the good Lord used your heart to its max. Unfortunately for us your assignment in this cruel and heartless world was over.

I still can’t believe you’re gone.

For my own selfish reasons, I wish you were still here. My heart says that you hurt no more. That means the most.

Thank you my friend. Thank you for being there when I needed you. Thank you for being there when we all needed you.

You were a one of a kind, Big Mike.

I will miss you so much.

MIKE AND LAYTON CURD " A TRUE FRIEND INDEED"

I have to admit I have never known someone with such a positive attitude, and with what seemed like an endless amount of enthusiasm. To Mike life was about giving and making the people around him feel uplifted and motivated. I have said that the saying, “If life gives you lemons, make lemonade” did not fit with Mike. He was someone who could make a lemon cream pie out of the lemons life gave him.

A little story about Mike. Last year my wife and I went out to Las Vegas for the SEMA convention. Mike came out with Roger and did their first coverage of SEMA. Mike and I were going down an isle and his wheelchair cut out. I sat down on the floor next to the chair and started chasing the short (a faulty switch). I had barely twisted the wires together to by-pass the switch and Mike zips off about 30ft to help a completely capable man try and put another brochure in his goody bag. I was still sitting on the ground and hadn’t fully finished the re-wire on the chair…That was Mike, always helping someone. I still smile when I think of that.

I have known Mike since we were both 5yrs old…almost 35yrs of being my friend. We met in kindergarten and have been close friends ever since. I am going to miss seeing him when we would get together for an event or a convention or to hear his cheerful voice on the other end of the phone.

Mike has given me so much that you can not put a price on, but I can put a value to. I value the 35 years of being able to call him my friend and all the benefits of that friendship, the smile, the laugh, the antics we got into, the always upbeat positive attitude.

I have enclosed  a photo of Mike and me at the races here in Houston. We were both about 19 or 20 yrs old. We had entered my truck in the truck street class and we won 3^rd place. I think it was one of the first times we had gone to the track and it was the very first time we had ever raced and not been a spectator. Mike had the lady who handed us the check take this photo holding up our first ever prize money. I can remember every moment of that night just like it was yesterday.

JUDY STROPUS "HE WAS A SHINING LIGHT"

I was stunned by the news that Mike Aiello had passed away. I had no idea that his life was in jeopardy in any way. Although in a wheelchair, he always appeared so healthy, sharp and wise on each occasion I had the privilege to chat with him.

He was always a shining light at the events, in the press room, in the pits, and anywhere I would bump into him. He always made me feel special, and I am truly grateful to him for that. I will certainly miss him, as I know everyone else who knew him will.  

DEBBIE ADAMS "HE JUST BRIGHTENED YOUR DAY"

To me, the greatest part of being involved in drag racing is the people you meet and the true friendships that are built.  Mike Aiello was a perfect example of a true friend.  Terry and I first met Mike during the IHRA mountain-motor Pro Stock days when he was helping Jerry Yeoman.  Instantly, I felt Mike was very special because  kindness and compassion radiated from him no matter how good or how bad things were going.  I always looked forward to seeing him at the races because he possessed the ability to make my day brighter and give me a positive outlook about life in general.  As our friendship strengthened, I learned so much from him about how to recognize others' needs and pass that attitude along to others.  Even after his injury and his tremendous suffering, Mike never lost his desire to want to help others and improve the lives of everyone around him.  We were in constant contact with each other via phone and emails during this last year.  He never complained or questioned why he was suffering so greatly.  He always just wanted to know what he could do for me to make my life better.  He was an incredible friend--one that I miss greatly.  He told me just days before he passed that he wanted to be remembered as being a true drag racing fan and a true friend to many.  He was that, indeed, and much, much more.  Rest in peace, Mike.  I have never known anyone who deserves it more.
 

KENNY KORETSKY "HE WAS THE ULTIMATE CHEERLEADER"

Drag racing lost one of its biggest supporters and I lost a good friend last week when Mike Aiello passed away.  Mike and I became late-night phone friends in 2004.  He’d call and ask about sponsorships and how we were making out and I would confide in him everything I was doing because I trusted him and wanted his opinions about a lot of things I was doing.

He was a constant supporter while I was trying to get into the NHRA Powerade Pro Stock top 10.  He was always telling me, “you can do it . . . you can do it.”  It was great having a cheerleader on your side.  He had a lot of phone friends and kept himself busy. He really tried to help a lot of people.

The best part was at Las Vegas or Pomona when you’d see his smiling face when he came rolling up in his wheelchair.  He loved being at the races and that smile was very genuine.  He was down to earth and funny.  He’d be sitting in his wheelchair and I’d be complaining about my back problems.  He always carried his big bag of pills in the back of his chair and he’d look at me and say, “Kenny, what do you need? I’ve got something here for you.  What do you want to try?” That was the standing joke between us whenever we saw each other.

He usually came over to the Nitro Fish trailer and sat in the middle of the aisle handing out Clay’s (Millican) and my handout cards and sending people over to the trailer.

He knew the value of getting good sponsors and he had a good idea of how to get them.  Mike always had a lot of good ideas.  He’d call me with leads and say, “why don’t you contact this person or that person?”  He was very personable.

Mike loved drag racing, Competition Plus, 1320TV.com and the Internet.  Unfortunately, he was struggling and constantly fighting insurance companies. I had my lawyer involved a couple of times to try and get his California workman’s comp red tape figured out.  It was terrible.

Mike Aiello was a great man and a good friend.  We definitely miss him.

BRIAN WOOD "HE MADE THINGS HAPPEN"

My favorite memories of Mike are the times he took me on guided tours of Hollywood and other famous areas around Los Angeles, including trips up the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu.

As a delivery driver Mike made stops at all the major studios as well as the offices of some of the key members of the film and television industry. He really enjoyed taking me on rides through the most exclusive neighborhoods in the city to point out the homes of actors, producers, directors, rock stars and other high-profile denizens of Hollywood. He knew them all, and there’s no doubt in my mind that they all knew and liked him.

He insisted that I enjoy the full Hollywood experience, and we spent hours checking out the concrete-enshrined hand and foot prints in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theater, the stars on the Walk of Fame, and many other interesting, historic, and sometimes just plain weird things that can be seen around the famous intersection of Hollywood and Vine streets.

We cruised the infamous Sunset Strip, saw many of the clubs and bars where rock bands and stand-up comics launched careers, and where some ended them as well. Mike knew the what, where, and when, and he made our tours very enjoyable. We rode through Beverly Hills, Bel Air and down Rodeo Drive, just to see how the other half lived.

It was Mike who arranged for me to make my first trip to California in 2004, when I went out for the Winternationals in Pomona. Of course, true to his nature, he arranged for me to be picked up at the airport, allowed me to stay with him in Santa Monica, saw to it that I was transported to and from the track every day, and had me dropped off at the airport when it was all over. He took care of every detail, and never asked for a thing in return.

In subsequent years I made numerous other trips to California, and always Mike was there to be sure I had everything I needed. On one of those trips in 2006 I happened to mention that I had never seen the “Hollywood” sign in spite of the tours we had made in the past. That was all it took – within the hour we were in Mike’s van and literally heading for the hills. Oh, we saw the sign all right, but it wasn’t enough that we just got a street-level, tourist’s-eye view – oh no. Mike insisted that he could get me up close to the famous landmark, and up through the narrow, twisting streets we went, inching along and at times barely squeezing the big van between parked cars.

Eventually we came to the end of the road, and there it was. We were looking down at the iconic sign that was originally constructed to promote “Hollywoodland,” an early housing development. With dogs barking and neighbors peering from behind very expensive drapes, I took a few photos and we were off, slowly snaking our way back down to the real world far below. 

I told this story for one reason. Sure, it was mainly about me, but that’s the point I wanted to make. Mike was all about the people in his life, and this was a perfect example of the lengths he would go to, despite the considerable physical limitations he was forced to live with every day, to make sure others were happy. He may have been confined to a wheelchair, but his heart and spirit were free to soar, and that showed in everything he did. Mike was a caring and selfless individual, and people like him are rare indeed.

When someone passes we always hear that he or she will be missed. In the case of Mike Aiello no truer words were ever spoken.

JAMES DREW "HE ALWAYS GAVE FROM THE HEART"

Mike rarely had a bad word to say about anything or anybody, and he was always willing to help people out. He never wanted praise or credit, and in fact he did not want people to know about so many of the things he did. One of these things was helping my 23-old-year daughter Jessica pay for her college tuition and buy her books. I tried a number of times to pay him back but he would not accept my money. He said he wanted to help Jessica get a good education so that she would have a secure future.

Needless to say, Mike would give the shirt off his back to help others out. I will sure miss him. At a race he would call me from the media room and ask if I had water, food, etc. Even if I told him I was okay he would tell me that I had to take care of myself and the next thing you knew he would be rolling down the return road in his wheelchair with drinks for all the photographers.

I know they say Mike is in a better place now as he’s in heaven watching out for us. He was an angel before he passed, so he must have been promoted to a Super Angel.

Mike - I already miss you.

MIKE EDWARDS "POMONA WON'T BE THE SAME WITHOUT HIM"

Mike was a great man always genuinely interested in others and passionate about all motorsports.  He especially loved drag racing and was always coming by our pits to encourage the team.  Pomona won't seem the same this year without Mike.  We will all miss him.

SUSAN OLIVER-BRENZ "NO PROJECT WAS EVER TO BIG FOR HIM"

I have known Michael since we were ten years old playing tackle football in the front yard of the house I grew up in...which was a few blocks from his own.  Although we didn't run in the same circles in high school, we were always friendly with one another....let's face it....who couldn't be friendly with Mike!!  He always had a smile to offer and a story to tell, and his memory is just as you describe it.....extensive and unforgetting of the smallest of details.

Several years passed after high school when Michael and I ran into one another around the old neighborhood.  I invited him to come over and visit with me and my parents.  He was at Texas Tech and I was at Texas A&M, but the memories we shared running around the neighborhood together came flooding back again.  We had a large number of mutual friends over the years.  It was that day that my parents were endeared to him.  My parents thought he was a great guy that could talk about a multitude of subjects because he could hold the floor in any given conversation.

After college, I moved to South Texas, got married and had children.  Michael moved to California and got involved in the drag racing business.  It would be a passion that he would enjoy talking about for hours on end, and I was more than thrilled to listen because his enthusiasm was contagious.  I began to see him only at our high school reunions, so time continued to pass by as it always seems to do.

It was the 20th high school reunion that would be different.  It was the summer of 2005 when I began the early planning stages for the reunion when I got a call from Michael.  I think we were on the phone for several hours that first conversation, just catching up on old times and what had happened since the 10-year reunion with the accident and rehabilitation he had undergone.  Before we hung up, it was decided that he would co-chair this reunion project with me and the next year we would spend lots of time on the phone and on e-mail planning the reunion.  Mike was in charge of the blessing and reflections portion of the reunion.  The significance of what he charged us to do, "Live your life doing what you love," is especially relevant to me now as he certainly enjoyed drag racing and surrounded himself with those that shared his passion.

Since the reunion, we have kept in touch with one another at least every month.  The last conversation we shared was on the evening of Christmas Eve, less than five days before he passed away.  Mike had been in the hospital the week before Christmas battling a virus that was wrecking havoc on his internal organs.  Although he was in pain and had suffered the week before, "It's part of the battle,"  was his mantra.  His positive attitude and can-do approach are a testament to all of us who feel like we are having a bad day.  Mike made no excuses but rose each day (pain or not) and decided that he could make a difference in the lives of others. 

He is one of the most encouraging and supportive friends I have ever known.  As my friend, he always told me that he valued my impact on the lives of children since I work in a school as an Assistant Principal.  The irony is that of all the schools where I could be asked to work, it was the same school where Michael's niece and nephew attend school.  In fact, I am his niece and nephew's Assistant Principal! 

The impact Mike has made on my life and the lives of my own children is significant.  He got to know my kids while staying in Houston for the 20th reunion.  My children were impressed with Mike's courage and positive attitude.  He has encouraged them in school and counseled them on the importance of their education.  When he calls to visit, he has to check in with them too to see how things are going in school.  They both feel my sense of loss today as it is their loss too!

My heart is broken with this deep sense of sadness.  I will miss him greatly (as I know you will too)! 

TIM MARSHALL "HE LIVED LIFE TO THE FULLEST"

My heart is really hurting right now. Even though we all knew that this day would come, its still makes me realize just how precious life is. Big Mike would bring a smile to my face each and every time I saw him. One of the finest and most caring individuals that anyone could meet.

I loved you man and you will be missed by many more than you than you honestly believe. I'll miss you Bro....

REMEMBERING MIKE AIELLO - PHOTO GALLERY