NHRA Funny Car pilot Eric Medlen passed away earlier today.  I was told of his succumbing to injuries while in the whirlwind of Bristol's NASCAR Car of Tomorrow debut and thought for sure someone had told me some incorrect information.

What?!?!  No way was a personality as vibrant and full of life as Eric Medlen no longer a part of this world.  He was the future of drag racing and would definitely pull through his injuries.

But not long after that thought, reality hit.

Damnit!  NO!  Not again!!!

Just last year, while at the same Bristol March NASCAR weekend, Lugg and I mosied on into the media center after a whirlwind day of hosting Sharpie activities and BAM!, were hit with the news of IndyCar's Paul Dana passing away. 

God please NO!

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Eric, you touched so many people in your brief years on this earth… people loved, respected and cherished each moment you spent with them.  There was just something about the way you left your mark with fans and friends that could never be forgotten.  You lit up a room when you walked in… you made everyone smile… you loved your work, you lived your life to the fullest, you knew just how to make someone's day.

I remember when I first met you in Indy, 1996… your first year working for John Force Racing.  My friend Angelica and I hung out with you, Hight, Guido, Pointer, Duke and Fisher all summer and had a blast!  You, Mr. Medlen were hilarious!  Remember 'Lil Bit 'o Texas and the linedancing you were not afraid to show the boys?!  Or how about that damn lake in the backyard!

Remember just this last December at the Force Holiday Car Show, when we Freaks were sitting next to you in the autograph line and you would laugh and loudly proclaim, "Why am I stuck here with these Freaks?  They're nothing but wack!"  And suddenly Chip Foose sat between us and you said, "Thank goodness Foose is here… now I will look more popular and people may even want my autograph too!"  … as you would mutter under your breath, "Am I still on your show tonight… will you still call me?"

Or even at the US Nationals when you called Kenny and I over to meet your girlfriend and said, "These guys are the only ones who appreciate my curly locks!"

I still see you walking the strip between the Top Fuel and Funny Car rounds… just to be that much more perfect on your lane choices.

And Vegas poker?  Puh-lease!

Yes Eric, stories may bring a smile back to our faces, but our hearts still feel the void.

Godspeed my friend.  You will forever be missed.