SCCA: Drissi banned after Trans Am meltdown; responds to decision

Veteran SCCA Trans Am driver Tomy Drissi's inexcusable behavior toward his fellow competitors during the series' event at Mid-Ohio in August has been met with a one-year ban. The movie producer/racer hit numerous cars – including championship leader Amy Ruman – in a bizarre, race-long assault on those in his vicinity.

"As a result of Mr. Drissi's actions at Mid-Ohio which spanned multiple incidents, the Trans Am Series ruled to disqualify Mr. Drissi from the race, strip him of his finish and any points earned, and issue the maximum suspension allowed by our rules— one calendar year," said Trans Am Series Chief Steward James Foyle. A one-year ban is the harshest punishment available to Foyle.

Drissi started on the pole, and clearly had the pace to run up front, yet unraveled after passing – and hitting – a competitor in a corner where a yellow flag was displayed for a car that was off course. After being black flagged and serving a penalty in the pits, Drissi returned to the race and interfered with Ruman, who was leading. Drissi then hit Ruman, who was about to lap him, which damaged her car and impacted her championship aspirations.

Drissi's defiant tone after the race when asked about the contact with Ruman could not have helped his case when Foyle considered the best course of action after the race.

"It's like a self-fulfilling prophecy," Drissi said of the clashes with Ruman. "I said earlier in the show that if someone does me wrong, they're not going to finish the race."

With time to process the ruling, and SCCA Pro Racing's denial of his appeal, Drissi posted the following on his website:

To my fellow competitors, SCCA Pro Racing and Trans Am Officials, track workers, my supporters and fans:

Several weeks ago, at the Trans Am race in Mid-Ohio, I did what all racers lecture themselves not to do; I let my emotions get the better of me.

Regardless of how or why I found myself in that position, it should never have happened. For that, I can't apologize enough. My fellow competitors, my family, friends, and the entire racing community deserve better from me. My behavior was completely unacceptable.

In light of the penalties issued, I accept full responsibility. I respect the rules and ruling, and I respect the decision Trans Am Racing officials made.

Please know, this entire incident weighs heavily on me. My apology is heartfelt and sincere. I'm fully aware that my behavior was unacceptable and it will not happen again.

I hope those of you that have supported me in the past, can see your way clear to supporting me in the future. For those who can't, I understand. Either way, I will work hard to regain your trust and the confidence of my fellow competitors.

Respectfully,

Tomy Drissi