| Eric Medlen | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | August 13, 1973 Oakdale, California, United States |
| Died | March 23, 2007 (aged 33) Gainesville, Florida, United States |
| Funny Car | |
| Years active | 2004-2007 |
| Teams | John Force Racing |
| Best finish | 4th in 2005 2006 |
Eric John Medlen (August 13, 1973 – March 23, 2007)[1] was an NHRA Fuel Funny Car driver. Medlen drove for John Force Racing in 2004, 2005, and 2006, campaigning in the Castrol Syntec Ford Mustang Fuel Funny Car, and in 2007, campaigning in the Auto Club/Pleasant Holiday Ford Mustang Fuel Funny Car. He had a total of six career wins. His first win came during his Rookie season in 2004 at Brainerd International Raceway.
Medlen was born in Oakdale, CA, the son of John and Mary (Mimi) Medlen and brother of Eryn Medlen. He worked as a mechanic for John Force and past teammate Tony Pedregon for eight years until Pedregon left to join his brother Cruz's race team. Medlen was moved into Pedregon's Castrol Syntec-sponsored car. In 2004, he was a top contender for the NHRA Road to the Future Funny Car Rookie of the Year. He followed with three wins in 2005 and two wins in 2006. Each year he raced, he placed in the top five or higher in NHRA Championship Points. Prior to 2004, his fastest elapsed time was 4.681 seconds. His fastest speed was 328.54 MPH. He had eight #1 qualifiers and a 94–65 win–loss record.
Medlen was a champion calf roper[2] in high school and considered a career as a professional team roper with his partner and mentor, World Champion Team Roper Jerold Camarillo. He also loved to build custom motorcycles and paint his race helmets. His father John Medlen was his crew chief.
- ^ "Motorsport Memorial - Eric Medlen". Motorsport Memorial. Retrieved 31 March 2023.
- ^ Medlen.qxd[permanent dead link]