Johnson favors tougher concussion tests

Jimmie Johnson

Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s decision 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. "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. USA Today