Eric Medlen (August 13, 1973, Oakdale, CA – March 23, 2007, Gainesville, Florida)
Eric Medlen was a dedicated, talented and charismatic young driver seemingly destined for drag racing greatness when, at age 33, his life was cut tragically short by fatal injuries suffered while testing his Funny Car the morning after the 2007 NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway in Florida. Although his death devastated friends, family and fans, it served as a catalyst for change that led to John Force Racing’s development of the “Eric Medlen Chassis,” the first major re-design of the drag racing Funny Car in almost 30 years.