Coloplast North America, a provider of products and services for people with intimate medical needs, has announced a corporate sponsorship of Michael Johnson, formula racing’s first paralyzed driver.
Johnson, 19, is competing this year in The Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda, the first step on the Mazda Road to Indy, an open-wheeled development program for drivers seeking a career in professional racing. Johnson’s goal is to be the first paralyzed driver to compete in the Indianapolis 500.
With modifications to his No. 54 car and the use of medical devices, Johnson is able to compete at the professional level. One of those devices is Coloplast’s SpeediCath® coated catheter that provides hygienic, safe and convenient catheterization.
“Coloplast’s mission is to improve patient quality of life. Michael Johnson embodies that mission. He is redefining the sport and erasing boundaries, proving that with the right mix of innovation and passion, any obstacle can be overcome,” said Tom Remmel, SpeediCath Product Manager. “We are proud to be part of this racing team and will be cheering for Michael every step of the way, especially when he crosses the finish line at Indy 500 for the first time.”
Coloplast’s 2012 sponsorship provides financial support for Michael Johnson Racing. Coloplast and SpeediCath logos will be displayed on Johnson’s car and gear throughout the season.
“I sincerely appreciate Coloplast’s support in pursuing my dream,” Johnson said. “Their sponsorship fuels my team’s aim to advance to the IZOD IndyCar Series, and SpeediCath gives me the convenience and freedom to focus on my training.”
A Lifelong Desire For Competition
In 2005, then 12-year-old Johnson was a 14-time motorcycle-racing champion. He became paralyzed from mid-chest down after spinal cord injuries suffered in a dirt-track competition.
Despite having no feeling in his legs, Johnson never gave up his desire to race competitively. His experience using his hands to apply throttle, brake and clutch in motorcycle racing paid off in the years following his paralyzing accident. He racked up numerous wins in go-kart racing competitions, driving specially designed vehicles with hand controls instead of foot pedals.
Johnson’s adult stem cell surgery in 2009, followed by aggressive physical therapy, stimulated some sensation down to his waist, and gave Johnson the confidence to race formula cars professionally on tracks throughout the U.S. this year.
“My goal is to become the first paralyzed driver to win the Indy 500,” Johnson said. “My journey may seem unconventional, but we all have different paths to reach our true potential and live life to the fullest. I might have some challenges here or there but I’m never going to give up. Racing is my life.”
Visit www.MichaelJohnsonRacing.com to learn more about Johnson’s story.
Multimedia Elements Meet Michael Johnson (Video)
Meet Michael Source: Coloplast
Michael shares his story about racing, life and how using SpeediCath helps his fast-paced life.
Michael Johnson No. 54 Car (Video)
Inside Car No. 54 Source: JDC Motorsports
An inside view of Michael Johnson’s hand controls as he operates car No. 54.
Michael Johnson (Photos)
Michael Johnson and His No. 54 Car Source: Coloplast
About SpeediCath SpeediCath is a hydrophilic coated catheter that is pre-hydrated in saline water, making it ready to use with no waiting time. The uniform hydrophilic coating and polished eyelets ensure low friction insertion and withdrawal, safeguarding the urethra and minimizing the risk of urinary tract complications.
About Coloplast Danish medical device company Coloplast develops products and services that make life easier for people with very personal and private medical conditions. Working closely with the people who use our products, we create solutions that are sensitive to their special needs. We call this intimate healthcare.
Coloplast’s business includes ostomy care, urology, continence care, and wound and skin care. Coloplast operates globally and employs more than 7,500 people worldwide. In 2009, Coloplast opened the new North American headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The campus is LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and is home to one of the company’s three global research-and-development Innovation Centers. Others are located in Denmark and France.
To learn more about Coloplast, visit
www.us.coloplast.com.