Popular American Top Fuel pilot Tommy Johnson Jr. has had an exceptional year racing abroad in the European FIA Drag Racing Championship series, producing a hefty points lead during the 2010-2011 season that just one round win at the upcoming NitrOlympX would have secure he and the Andersen Racing team  led by brothers Karsten and Per Andersen another points championship. But according to a report of Europe, Johnson Jr. may not be permitted to finish the season and ultimately be stripped of his accumulated points following an infraction of the FIA’s stringent “anti-doping” policies.

Image credit: Andersen Racing

Johnson Jr. has had his FIA competition license suspended after failing the the FIA’s anti-doping legislation for use of a medication that is perfectly legal for use here in the states but is on the FIA’s proscribed list.

Accrding to EuroDragster.com, “Tommy received the results of the test two weeks after the Nitro Nationals and his licence was suspended”, said joint team owner and tuner Karsten Andersen. “It’s a failure in procedure but we didn’t know the procedure. You have to fill in a form thirty days before competition and Tommy only got his FIA licence two weeks before the FIA Main Event. The FIA Commission have spoken to FIA but it’s out of their hands – FIA have anti-doping legislation and won’t change it even though that medication is legal in NHRA. There is an appeal hearing at the end of August, but Hockenheim would have been our last race this season anyway because our budget only stretched as far as this event.”

Thomas Nataas will take over the driving chores of the Andersen Racing Top Fuel Dragster this weekend in Hockenheim. “We are fortunate to have a good friend such as Thomas who is ready to help”, said Karsten. “He has driven the car before and we are very lucky to have another good driver.”