Tommy Johnson - It's All About Clearing My Name Now

[Bobby Bennett]

Chris, you can try and justify this all you want but the FIA series proved today it is a joke.

The fact ARE unless you are an FIA official -- both Johnson and his team owners say the so-called document was never given to them, and it becomes a matter of the racer's word against the series. Right now, the series has ZERO credibility in my eyes.

Secondly, Johnson, on the record, said he submitted the information ahead of time, provided documentation of the condition, doctor's diagnosis as well as prescription. No medical condition, I can understand if it is considered a performance enhancing drug. The FIA chose to drug test him several races into the season, not at the start as they should have.

Again, therapeutic exemption or not, if you accept the NHRA's licensing as an acceptable substitute, then you accept all parts of it -- not just cherry-picking parts of it. Passing a drug test is part of the NHRA licensing process.

Somewhere common sense failed to prevail, and it wasn't here in the USA.

 

[sdwarf36]

Chris, you can try and justify this all you want but the FIA series proved today it is a joke.

The fact ARE unless you are an FIA official -- both Johnson and his team owners say the so-called document was never given to them, and it becomes a matter of the racer's word against the series. Right now, the series has ZERO credibility in my eyes.

Secondly, Johnson, on the record, said he submitted the information ahead of time, provided documentation of the condition, doctor's diagnosis as well as prescription. No medical condition, I can understand if it is considered a performance enhancing drug. The FIA chose to drug test him several races into the season, not at the start as they should have.

Again, therapeutic exemption or not, if you accept the NHRA's licensing as an acceptable substitute, then you accept all parts of it -- not just cherry-picking parts of it. Passing a drug test is part of the NHRA licensing process.

Somewhere common sense failed to prevail, and it wasn't here in the USA.

Bobby-I agree with your writtings 99.9% of the time-but this time I seem to sense too much of "some fly by nite furin' race club is taking it out on one of OUR boys."
This "FIA series" you speak of is the accepted norm (according to Wiki) in 125 countries-and 213 race organizations world-wide--and as far as I know ALL the competitors have to follow the same drug test rules--TJ wasn't singled out.

"" The FIA chose to drug test him several races into the season, not at the start as they should have.""--Hmmm--NHRA has random drug tests-your name gets called + you have 24 hours to submit.It might be at Pomona--it might not be till Etown. But those FIA guys CHOSE to test him several races into the season?-The Heathans! Honest question: If someone comes over from IHRA-do they get tested their 1st race? Or random?
Their rules are tougher than ours-but its their sandbox. FIA isnt known for giving breaks either. There is enough "oops!" to go around on this one.

Disclaimer: I am far more a TJ fan -and have no love for "French Idiots in Automobiles".

 

[Larry]

Should be a Doctors opinion deal ! If medically Approved no foul !
Of course then some Idiot would show up High on Doctor Perscribed Pot ! LOL

 

[Tony]

Sherman and Bobby, this is what I believe happened: The FIA accepted TJ's NHRA license as acceptable to compete in an FIA-sanctioned series. The narcotic that TJ uses is accepted by the NHRA, and is also accepted by the FIA, however the use of the narcotic by the participant must be divulged by the participant (via a theraputic exemption) BEFORE the license application. TJ would obviously assume that the narcotic would be ok for FIA competition because it is ok for NHRA competition, so there would be no need for him to declare his use of the physician-prescribed narcotic to the FIA. The FIA didn't drug-test TJ upon accepting his NHRA license, because he had already been drug-tested (and passed) by the NHRA. Upon a random drug test, the narcotic was found in TJ's sample, and he was suspended by the FIA because he didn't have a theraputic exemption for use of the narcotic in FIA competition.

I agree with Bobby, if the FIA accepted TJ's NHRA license, they should accept the NHRA procedures, policies, and banned/acceptable narcotic list. They should have made TJ aware of any differences in the procedures and policies between the NHRA and the FIA. True, the team and TJ have some responsibility also, but to me TJ would be correct in assuming that all is well because the FIA accepted his NHRA license.

As Sherman points out, the FIA is the world-wide sanctioning body for ALL motorsports, so why are there variations in competition rules and drug-testing procedures among the many sanctioning bodies?

 

[hansb57]

but to me TJ would be correct in assuming that all is well because the FIA accepted his NHRA license.

As Sherman points out, the FIA is the world-wide sanctioning body for ALL motorsports, so why are there variations in competition rules and drug-testing procedures among the many sanctioning bodies?[/QUOTE]


If I enter the US on my Dutch passport US customs accept I'm dutch.
If they however find pot in my luggage, which I'm permitted to have under my law (in very small quantities) I go to your jail!!

I feel bad for TJ and the Andersens because TJ was more then welcome in Europe and the team is the team to beat for several years in a row.
But rules are rules, something our US friends must understand better then anybody else.

 

[Toby]

I am sure TJ is upset about this but in the grand scheme of things does it really matter?

Pick out ten spectators last weekend at the Indy race and ask them what they think about TJ's FIA failed drug test. I bet most wouldn't even know the name. For the small number that have heard the name TJ, I bet the majority haven't heard of the FIA deal.

Its easy for hard core drag race fans to get caught up in the 'impact' of our sport, yet you need to realize more often than not our sports telecast is pre-empted by left handed red haired Cricket on sunday evenings.

Those that really give a rip about this sport understand he got hosed. The rest of the world has no idea it even happened.

 

[Bobby Bennett]

Call it what you want but the majority of Americans believe the whole thing to be nothing more than the FIA's disdain towards American drivers and this is nothing more than their typical anti-American sentiment.

 

[Bullet]

Call it what you want but the majority of Americans believe the whole thing to be nothing more than the FIA's disdain towards American drivers and this is nothing more than their typical anti-American sentiment.

I think this whole TJ Jr deal has played out illogically and unfairly, but your statement above is a pretty long bow to be drawing, Bobby.

 

[onfire]

I think this whole TJ Jr deal has played out illogically and unfairly, but your statement above is a pretty long bow to be drawing, Bobby.

Paul, I agree with Bobby 100%!!! Look no further than the outside world to back up his statement. It is not just in the motorsports world! We see it everyday. Most non-U.S. citizens loathe America. They would love to live here......but they don't like Americans. Just my .02!

 

[you]

There are different "levels" of Narcolepsy. Yes, some people have severe cases where they can fall asleep standing up. On the other end of the scale, it might be as simple as someone not being able to ever get a good nights rest and are constantly tired during the day. A friend of mine just recently went through the series if sleep studies they perform to diagnose Narcolepsy

 

[Deuce]

Here's where what you have learned is wrong then...

The drug in question, Dexedrine is on the banned list specifically because it can be and is used by some to enhance performance. It is a psychostimulant which has similar properties to racemic methampetamine. The drug is on the World Anti-Doping Agency prohibited list which is the agency which controls drug use across many sporting organisations worldwide including in the US. It just happens that the NHRA is not signed up to their program but the FIA is.

To answer your other points...

b) TJ did not make the FIA aware of his use of the prescription drug until he was tested halfway through the season. I have seen no mention of him claiming he had made them aware. He skipped the FIA medical as his NHRA medical was deemed to be acceptable so while TJ wasn't aware of the rules and should have been. The FIA wasn't aware of the drug use and didn't have any reason to be.

c) No one in the FIA dropped the ball. The ball was dropped when a driver applied for an FIA license without making themselves fully aware of the rules to which he was signing up.

I am not being pro FIA here as I truly believe there is probably a better way of dealing with this situation and I feel incredibly bad for TJ who's correct use of the drug is absolutely not in question, only the way in which he made the governing body aware of it. BUT, you have to understand that the FIA must maintain and apply the rules as they are written to keep their consistency in all cases across all forms of motorsport that they govern. TJ was required to apply for a therapeutic use exemption before he started racing and didn't, the only time the FIA became aware of his use of the drug was halfway though the season when he submitted a drug test and under their rules this is not acceptable.

I agree though that TJ should rest easy. Morally he's done nothing which gives any of us anything to question. His mistake and it may be a big one, and one that led to a very unfortunate set of circumstances, was to not make himself fully aware of the rules he was racing under and how they affected him directly.

Very well said Chris.

 

[Bobby Bennett]

In case you guys aren't aware. When it comes to drag racing, the United States is the leader -- not the follower.

In adding to that, we are the leader and see no reason to adopt any rules designed for Formula One or the like.

The bottom line is, either you accept the NHRA's credentialling or not. If you are, then accept -- don't cherry-pick which ones you plan to enforce.

 

[Bullet]

Paul, I agree with Bobby 100%!!! Look no further than the outside world to back up his statement. It is not just in the motorsports world! We see it everyday. Most non-U.S. citizens loathe America. They would love to live here......but they don't like Americans. Just my .02!

Maybe I am looking through my rose colored glasses based on my own personal views...

I am a "foreigner" who now calls the US home and I have always had an affection for the US and its people (maybe due to my upbringing at the drag strip).

I try not to generalize based on someone race, religion, color or political position, rather let my judgement determine whether someone is a good person and I like to think that the majority do the same.

Some of my best friends are Americans whom I would give the shirt off my back and there are some Australians whose only contribution to this world is to generate carbon dioxide to keep trees alive.

Can someone please kick me off this soapbox....

 

[mike]

Most non-U.S. citizens loathe America. They would love to live here......but they don't like Americans. Just my .02!

Yes, I myself would give anything to live in America. I certainly don't hate Americans, I love them, a lot of my best friends are American. Do I like the US Government? Not really. But they're personal and fair reasons which I will not air out on this forum. Mainly because some people will not understand. I do not like how Bobby threw the FIA series under the bus. Do I like the decision made? Gosh no. I think it is pathetic. However rules are rules sadly. I still think the racing and the racers of Europe are great and I thought Bobby's (No offense Bobby) comments were a slap in the face to the people who actually do good over in Europe. Don't forget it wasn't just TJ who got screwed (though some of you think it was an 'attack' on America by the FIA ) The Andersen's got screwed over too. They were the ones who poured their money into this year and were aiming for another championship, not just TJ. Lets not forget that people. Those guys are a great bunch. So I don't think this needs to be turned into a US vs FIA deal, or the FIA don't like Americans BS!! That is just an arrogant and stupid attitude to take, because IT WAS A WHOLE TEAM WHO GOT SCREWED, a team that is EUROPEAN!!! Bottom line is, this whole deal stinks and should have been dealt with better. The FIA really need to review their policy's so that something like this does not happen again. The race this weekend will be less fun because the Andersen team are not competing with TJ. If you know your Drag Racing history outside of your own backyard, The Andersen's have a rich TF history and are very clued in people. I regard them as some of the best tuners in the world. Need proof, just look at the numbers they tuned Kym Reymond to all the way back in 2004. One of the all time great fuel runs. If you understand your Drag Racing history outside of America, you'll understand why. So it will be sad not to see them run and try set more European records with TJ this weekend.

 

[Bobby Bennett]

Michael is always, I always appreciate your comments.

I would like to point in the commentary, I did mention it wasn't only about TJ.

To quote:

Well, what I can tell you is that he didn’t do it for money. Heck, he wasn’t even getting paid to drive the car. He just wanted to drive and win for the Andersen Racing team, a team who should be champions regardless of whether the FIA decides to strip his points or not.

I fully understand that Johnson’s fellow racers are honorable people and they don’t like this decision and this shame belongs to the series administrators. After all, if someone is awarded this championship, won’t it be tainted? If I was racing the series and was awarded the title, I would simply put No. 2 on my wing.

I just wanted to point this out ...

 

[mike]

Michael is always, I always appreciate your comments.

I would like to point in the commentary, I did mention it wasn't only about TJ.

To quote:

Well, what I can tell you is that he didn’t do it for money. Heck, he wasn’t even getting paid to drive the car. He just wanted to drive and win for the Andersen Racing team, a team who should be champions regardless of whether the FIA decides to strip his points or not.

I fully understand that Johnson’s fellow racers are honorable people and they don’t like this decision and this shame belongs to the series administrators. After all, if someone is awarded this championship, won’t it be tainted? If I was racing the series and was awarded the title, I would simply put No. 2 on my wing.

I just wanted to point this out ...

Point taken mate. Like I said no offense here I have yet to read your commentary over on Cplus. It was just this comment that I took to heart with my post "Call it what you want but the majority of Americans believe the whole thing to be nothing more than the FIA's disdain towards American drivers and this is nothing more than their typical anti-American sentiment" and this one "Right now, the series has ZERO credibility" But haven thought about that last comment, I think you're just referring to the TF side of things. Which I agree with, in fact, I fully agree with you on the series being tainted in TF. I was watching coverage from the last round in Germany, and not even TJ/Andersen's competitors seemed happy with the decision and didn't want to win this way. The FIA have ruined what was a great season in TF.

 

[Nick Name]

Willie Boursh was said to have that. He would make a pass in the winged express, and when the crew got to the other end to pick him up, he would be asleep in the car.

 

[troy boy]

Willie Boursh was said to have that. He would make a pass in the winged express, and when the crew got to the other end to pick him up, he would be asleep in the car.

Is that why every time I see him at a race and say Hi! he never responds? Must be out cold.

 

[Toejam]

Not to minimize Tommy's condition ... but no matter how severe your case of narcolepsy is, I doubt that when you are sitting in the cockpit of a fuel car, and they fire up that motor and your adrenaline is popping before/during the run that there is very much danger of falling asleep. I would guess that Tommy's medication is to keep him from falling asleep during the more mundane periods of our lives, like sitting in a restaurant, or waiting for a plane in the terminal, or riding the shuttle to the rental car place, or driving the motor home across I80 in Nebraska, etc, etc.

Very True, adrenaline can do amazing things!

 

[NitroChrisUK]

the whole Anti-American thing i really do not agree with that. the FIA is a world Motor sports governing Body not Just Europe ( Formula 1 as a big example ) which has competitors from all over the world . the FIA drag racing championships is called the European championships because i am sure issues would arise From the NHRA if it was called the world championships ( although i do believe the European Finals had racers from UK,Ireland,Netherands,Finland,Sweden,Denmark,Switzerland,Norway,Malta,Germany,Belgium,France,Austria,Canada,Czech Republic,Australia,Italy,)


why would there be an Problem with an American winning the championship ?? or anyone else from any other country .. the FIA do not gain anything from a European Winning the championship. they would probably get more from an American winning it.(1 NHRA driver willing to compete on the FIA tour would surely bring more...i.e a good thing for all involved) when Americans come over more people come through the gates .. it creates more interest from Americans who may follow to see how the competitor is getting on. and is therefore good for the sport over here.


the FIA Had no issue with Gordie Bonin winning the TF Championship in 1999 so why would they with TJ ?


i am not Supporting the FIA here.. the way they have dealt with things is Pretty shambolic in terms of Communication.( they have still not announced the situation regarding whether his points stand or not so if no one had passed him in the points last weekend no one would have any idea of who the champion was )

If i was an NHRA driver and i was Told my license has been accepted by the FIA they i would ASSUME that covered all aspects(which it should). but assumption is not always correct. it is a massive shame that something like this had to happen to show that is not the case.

but i think on this occasion Common sense should have prevailed.