MARTINSVILLE, Va. – Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s decision, revealed this week, to donate his brain to scientific research has added another layer to discussion about concussion issues in auto racing.
Six-time Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson weighed in on the topic Friday at Martinsville Speedway, saying medical evaluation equipment that reversed a concussion diagnosis that kept IndyCar driver Will Power from competing in a race last month should be available at NASCAR tracks.
Power missed the IndyCar season opener at St. Petersburg, Fla., after he crashed in practice, experienced nausea and then was diagnosed with a mild concussion Sunday – race day and two days after the initial crash – by IndyCar medical personnel. Later, tests at the University of Miami hospital’s Concussion Program showed that Power did not have a concussion but probably was suffering from an inner ear infection. Power had been experiencing problems with his inner ear since early March, including at a test at Sebring, Fla.
“Whatever they have in Miami needs to be at every racetrack to make a better decision – whatever that stuff is,” Johnson told reporters from USA TODAY Sports and NBC Sports.com. “That’s the bottom line. You’re dealing with someone’s career -- someone’s life, in a couple of ways, good or bad. If somebody does get cleared to race, and they did have a concussion, if they did pass that first test, I think it’s important to get whatever they have in Miami at every racetrack following our series (and) the IndyCar Series.”
In both NASCAR and IndyCar, officials can sideline drivers who don’t meet concussion protocols. Sprint Cup driver Brad Keselowski, who, like Power, drives for Team Penske, has been outspoken about the issue, saying that drivers should have the bigger say in whether they miss a race.
Somebody has to make the call, Johnson said.
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“The bottom line there is concern for the athlete, for the driver,” he said. “I think it all stems from a good place. Unfortunately, mistakes are made. We’re trying with the baseline concussion tests we now take. That’s hopefully a tool to help make a better decision.
“I learned about Will Power’s situation the other day. I’m sure it’s not easy for the sanctioning body to make the call, and it’s not easy for the driver to be in his situation. It’s just not easy. But it’s coming from a place of concern.
“We’ve made so
many advances in safety and have made racing safer worldwide. I commend the effort. We just have to figure out how to make better decisions. Make the right decision. And I know that’s not easy.”
Johnson praised Earnhardt Jr.’s decision and said he also would consider such a move.
“It’s never been on my radar, but I am an organ donor,” he said. “If I can help others through whatever format it might be, I’m definitely open to it.”
Johnson said he respects Keselowski’s stance on the concussion issue.
“I’m thankful that Brad is so by the letter of the law,” he said. “It’s not a bad position to be in, and obviously being at Penske, he’s seen it up close and asked direct questions to everybody, I’d imagine. So, it’s tough when someone else is making decisions for you. So I get it.”
