John Eric Christian Winberry of Granite City, Ill., lost his lifelong battle with Cystic Fibrosis on Sunday evening, Nov. 25. He was 16.

Many Flowmaster American Drag Racing League fans will remember John from the 2006 ADRL Gateway Drags, where he was able to fulfill a longtime desire to ride in a drag racing car. At that event, ADRL President Kenny Nowling made a full pass in a '69 Camaro Pro Streeter, with a thrilled Winberry safely buckled in on the passenger side. The heartwarming scene drew a thunderous standing ovation and led to a lasting friendship between John and the ADRL community.

"Although John and I only knew each other a little over 19 months, we had become extremely close from that amazing night at the Gateway Drags, which, to this day, remains one of my most cherished memories," Nowling said. "John's courage in his battle with his illness left me awestruck. Whether it was an afternoon at the movies, a game of Yahtzee at the hospital, or just a quick phone call while I was traveling, John had an incredible ability to raise my spirits and to help me keep things in perspective.

"I was fortunate enough to hold his hand, and that of his mother, during Johns' last few hours of life at the hospital. I made a commitment to John on that day that I would spend more time being with the ones I love and less time worrying about the things that I cannot control. He was an inspiration to me up to his final breath, and he will remain so for the rest of my life."

Services for John include a visitation on Friday, Nov. 30 (5 p.m. to 8 p.m.) at the Irwin Chapel in Granite City, with another visitation on Saturday, Dec. 1 (11 a.m.-noon) at Bethel Chapel Church. The Saturday visitation will be followed by a memorial service. John will be laid to rest at Sunset Hill Memorial Estates in Glen Carbon, Ill, alongside his father, James, and brother, Jesse, who preceded him in death. Nowling will deliver a eulogy.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made by contacting the ADRL offices at (636) 272-2375.