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JOHN FORCE RACING NHRA DRIVER ERIC MEDLEN SUCCUMBS TO INJURIES SUFFERED IN TESTING ACCIDENT
Eric Medlen, 33, who had emerged as one of the most popular young drivers in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, succumbed Friday afternoon to injuries suffered when his race car crashed into a guardwall during a Monday test session at Gainesville Raceway.
The talented Funny Car driver never regained consciousness. After being treated at the track, he was transported by ShandsCair helicopter to Shands at the University of Florida medical center where medical staff treated him for days for a severe closed head injury.
“On behalf of the family, I want to thank the medical staff at Shands not just for giving Eric the very best care he could have received, but for the compassion it showed for Eric and all those close to him” said his father, John Medlen. “I also want to thank the thousands of people who offered their prayers and support to us during this very difficult time.”
“Eric Medlen was the son I never had,” said team owner John Force. “He was the leader of my next generation of drivers. Robert Hight, my daughter Ashley and I were with the family throughout this very difficult time. This loss is a huge blow not only to the Medlen family, but to drag racing and to John Force Racing. I just want to thank everybody for their support, from Larry Smiley with Racers for Christ to the hospital staff to the whole drag racing community. Our prayers go out to the family.”
Fans can leave their condolences at:
goodbyeeric@castrol.com
Watch one of Eric's memorable moments.
| ON BEHALF OF A&E: All of us at A&E would like to express our deepest sympathies to the Medlen family and everyone at John Force Racing. It is our hope that the new season of Driving Force, will serve as a lasting tribute to Eric and will celebrate his life and the sport he helped to foster. |
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