Warren, Kurt Johnson comment on Medlen

Warren and Kurt Johnson Comment on Eric Medlen's Passing

Sugar Hill, Ga., March 24, 2007 -- NHRA Pro Stock racers Warren and Kurt Johnson offered the following thoughts on Friday's untimely passing of Funny Car standout Eric Medlen. Medlen, 33 succumbed to injuries suffered in a testing crash on Monday at Gainesville Raceway in Gainesville, FL.

"It's a terrible tragedy and a huge blow to drag racing," said Kurt. "I still find it hard to believe, but we've lost one of the sport's young stars. He was just out there on Monday, trying to get his junk to go faster, when something went terribly wrong. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Medlen family, and to everyone at John Force Racing.

"Competing in a different division, I really didn't know him all that well. However, of the six races he won in his career, I feel fortunate to have shared a winners' circle with Eric in Seattle. Standing next to him on the podium that day was probably the closest I was to him, and will always be a special memory. We're certainly going to miss him."

"Eric was one of the fan's favorites, and we've lost him way too soon," added Warren. "I always enjoyed his interviews at the top-end. Not only did he have something pretty interesting to say, but he always conveyed an incredible level of excitement, which the fans really picked up on. He was just a neat kid, and without a doubt, he will be sorely missed. Our thoughts go out to John Medlen and the entire Medlen family, as well as the entire John Force Racing organization."

-credit: j2r