TEAM FORCE WON'T COMPETE IN HOUSTON
Wed, 2007-03-28 18:30
John Force Racing, Inc., still is evaluating what occurred in the accident that
caused the severe closed head injury which resulted in driver Eric Medlen’s
death.
The JFR crew chiefs, headed by Eric's father, John Medlen, will be working
closely with the NHRA, the PRO and the team’s vendors to evaluate the series of
events that caused the tire blow-out and an extreme vibration beyond anything
previously recorded in the sport.
“It is our sincere desire to provide a summary of the information taken
from this accident to all parties,” said John Medlen. “That is what Eric would
have wanted.”
In the near future, JFR will attempt to implement safety measures needed
to prevent this type of tragedy from recurring.
Out of respect for the Medlen family and to allow the JFR family the
opportunity to grieve its loss, team owner John Force confirmed Wednesday that
the team will not compete in this week’s 20th annual O’Reilly Spring Nationals
at Houston, Texas.
According to Force, the team felt the need to address changes in the
driver cockpit area but hopes to return to competition, April 12-15, in the
SummitRacing.com Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Medlen’s death was the first in the NHRA Funny Car division in almost 38
years. The last known NHRA Funny Car fatality was that of Gerry Schwartz, who
died in a crash at the NHRA Springnationals in Dallas, Texas, on June 15,
1969.
“We appreciate your continued support and prayers for the Medlen and John
Force Racing families,” said JFR spokesperson Kelly Antonelli.
In the team's absence, fans and supporters attending the Houston race can
post personal messages on special Eric Medlen posters available at the
BP/Castrol display on the Manufacturers Midway. Those posters subsequently will
be presented to the family. Race fans also can send their personal rememberances
of Eric to the e-mail address goodbyeeric@castrol.com.
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