Medlen - Monday test accident report

ERIC MEDLEN HOSPITALIZED AFTER TESTING ACCIDENTAT GAINESVILLE RACEWAY

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Eric Medlen, 33, one of the bright young stars of the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, was injured Monday when his Funny Car crashed during a testing accident at Gainesville Raceway.

Medlen suffered undetermined injuries when the 8,000 horsepower hybrid he was driving crashed heavily into the rightside guardwall. He was transported via ShandsCair helicopter to Shands at the University of Florida medical center.

The six-time NHRA tour winner, who participated in Sunday's 38th annual ACDelco Gatornationals, was being treated in the surgical intensive care unit at Shands. He was listed in critical condition while being further evaluated by medical personnel.

Medical staff will provide a condition update at midday on Tuesday according to John Force Racing sources who emphasized that, at the present time, Medlen is not permitted to have visitors, phone calls, cards or flowers.

"Eric's extended family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers," said Kelly Antonelli, spokesperson for JFR.

"At the same time, we would ask that you respect the family's privacy at this time and allow the medical staff to do its work." JA former crewman on boss and teammate John Force's championship-winning Funny Cars, Medlen began his own driving career in 2004, winning a race his first year. He won three more times in 2005 and two times last season in a Funny Car prepared by his father, John Medlen.

-credit: jfr