nice...

Eric Medlen has died from his injuries...GODSPEED.

Rest In Peace Eric, you brought happiness to my son the few times he was able to be around you.

So sad. I mean, any driver is conscious that this could happen but it sure doesn't make it any easier. RIP Eric you'll be missed

RIP eric, best wishes to the family and friends

RIP Eric!! 8(

BTW - On 'Driving Force' the Force's are touring Oakley HQ!!

Probably old news...but damn is it cool!!

More on Eric. RIP

http://www.nhra.com/2007/medlen/index.html

http://oakley.com/community/news/article/id/364

Dug up an older pic...My son and Eric (R.I.P.) back at the finals when Scelzi took the championship

Meant to ask but its still good to know: the O nhra booth/rig was close bye this past weekend in TX and I was supposed to go. If I had, what do they sell that is harder to find thru any other O venue? Any kewl goodies that I must have....?

They always have at least one Rolling O exclusive T shirt that's usually pretty cool. They also have a very good cross section of all their products

Big weekend in Vegas...Hight wins for Team Force, John did not qualify for the race, first time in 395 races. Brandon Bernstein wins Top Fuel and gives the Wally to Eric's mom. Greg Andrson wins Pro Stock, nothing new there.

Hey if Force can't win at least his son-in-law did. That was a very thoughtful gesture on Brandon's part.

Scelzi is stepping out after 2007

http://www.nhra.com/content/news.asp?articleid=19833&zoneid=8

NOOOOOOO!!!

Scelzi is such a great champion... I hope this doesn't sour Jim from the sport... Hopefully Scelzi will stay at least somewhat close and do some guest announcing or something.

By the sound of things it looks as if Jim will be collaborating with DS to find a new driver so that should keep him in the mix

Eric is lost, but his accident has lead to changes in safety in the top 2 classes of the NHRA. Sounds like it was a wake up call like the NASCAR cicuit got when Dale Earhardt died after his accident...Read Below...

NHRA issues rule changes for Top Fuel, Funny Car categories

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5/2/2007


NHRA has announced several rule changes in the Top Fuel and Funny Car categories to enhance current safety measures as a result of initial evaluations from the tragic incident involving Eric Medlen during a test session March 19 in Gainesville, Fla.

“We've learned something from Eric's incident that we've never witnessed before, that being an extreme oscillation or vibration,” said Graham Light, NHRA senior vice president-racing operations. “Although this is an unprecedented occurrence, we don't want to prematurely react given the current high level of safety measures implemented in these cars that have proven very effective. We need, however, to take what we have learned and make appropriate changes to reduce the possibility of a similar incident in the future, both on a short- and long-term basis.”

NHRA has mandated the following rule changes in the Top Fuel and/or Funny Car categories:

Additional padding in the driver cockpit area in both Top Fuel and Funny Car, already in effect..
A roll-cage/helmet shroud, similar to those installed on Top Fuel cars, will be mandatory in Funny Car no later than the O'Reilly NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals in Bristol, Tenn.
A seven-point driver restraint system will replace the current five-point systems in Funny Car no later than the O'Reilly NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals in Bristol and in Top Fuel by the O'Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals in Topeka, Kan. Along with the new restraints, NHRA has mandated stricter installation requirements, making sure that teams install the restraints according to manufacturer recommendations.
NHRA will continue to work with the John Force Racing team, the entire racing community, and its vendors to consider implementing additional safety measures in the future.

“Safety is an ongoing endeavor at NHRA as evidenced by our overall record, which is supported by our rule changes over the years,” said Light.

Pony up gents, really nice...Josh this is you bro!!



on our fav auction site, see Item number: 330116338830

HELL YEAH!!!!!!!!!!! But it's in Des Moines...I am in Cali. He won't ship...Damn!! Funny thing is, I need a new tool chest, I have outgrown mine!

OOOPPPSSS, I read he will assist with shipping...I bid! Gotta have it, but feel I will be blown out at the end

SCOTTY CANNON is back...driving Top Fuel, not under a full Oakley sponsership though. I'm guessing it's more of a test weekend. He is qualified 13th.

I was told by someone who works the west leg of the rolling O that he would be running a few sessions this season, but not a full swing. Looks as if that is the case so far. Good to see him back with the big boys. Anyone tracking how his son is doing?

Scelzi won yesterday... http://www.nhra.com/content/news/results/21087.htm

I was watching the drags from Denver on Sunday & I noticed John Force was sporting RED stickers on both his car & right on the back of his helmet. That's the first time I've seen that come up

yeah, Force started this season with the Red logos, so maybe that is a new push and was a sign that we missed that Oakley would be getting sold off...Nice to see though.

Scelzi gets another win, and is still going to drive for Oakley/Mopar next year.

Wow that's great news!!