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"Boosting the racing experience, not overworking it"©2000 Dwight Drum…Safety Net Plus, Inc.
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One on one moment John Force’s new driver “I think it’s a dream on top of dreams. The only thing that matters is being out here and being able to race.” Story, questions and photos © 2004 Dwight Drum John Force had many choices available for a driver to replace Tony Pedregon, but he kept his decision within the John Force Racing neighborhood by selecting Eric Medlen. Medlen’s father was Pedregon’s crew chief and will prepare Force’s second Funny Car for the 2004 season with his son in the fast seat. Eric may be the new kid on the big block, but he has experience and has been a part of Force’s team for years.
Medlen has the right mix, Force’s tall Mustang shadow and the best-funded program in drag racing. With the master of speed and master of media “Boss” Force behind him, Medlen should quickly absorb the bright lights and high speed in the NHRA POWERade Series.
Dwight asked Eric Medlen: “Shoot. I don’t think I really know yet. I’m still overwhelmed by everything. All the events leading up to now are unbelievable and awesome. The off season was exciting to say the least. The tension of just waiting to hear what was going to happen was extra exciting. Now, to get a chance. Still, I don’t think it’s really happening. I think it’s a dream on top of dreams. You can’t explain. Dreams come true.”
“What I like best is the competition first and foremost. I mean we have great guys and everybody from John to Tony, Gary Scelzi, Ron Capps, and Del Worsham. All are great competitors. One thing that really surprised me is the support that I’ve had coming into this position. All of that. The camaraderie. It’s non-stop action. You go four seconds. That’s unbelievable, then you come back here and the service is non-stop. Nobody stops moving. I’m wore out watching them.” “The action. You’re always busy doing something. So when you’re not doing this you think, all right a day off. It’s only a day and you’re bored. You’re used to that fast paced non-stop action. When you don’t have that, you about go crazy. You’ve committed yourself to always doing something. You’re going here. You’re going there. You’re doing this. You’re doing that. When you don’t have that, you’re doing something wrong. “
“No. It’s unreal. It’s not a good idea that I ever started this, because if something goes sour, you can’t do anything to it. After given the chance, not given the chance, you’d do anything to do it. After you finally get to do it and you realize what it’s all about, the feelings and sensations and the relationships with the guys, you don’t want to do anything else. You don’t.” “I don’t know. I think I might be chasing them more than they are chasing me. Come on, let me shine your shoes. Really. There were a few people out there that came up to me and wanted to take pictures and talk to me. Anybody tells you that doesn’t feel good, they’re lying to you. It does feel good. When somebody asks you for your autograph, picture, just to talk to you, it makes you feel good. And I don’t even know what I’m talking about. I just tell them whatever I think. I might be misleading them.” “Yeah. I think you do. Like you said before it’s drive. I used to rodeo. Whether it’s rodeo, racing, computer graphics or fighter pilots, as a kid growing up you get a dream. You can reach as far as you want to reach. Everybody can do anything. It all boils down to how bad you want it and what you’re willing to do to get there. That’s the thing. John Force is a perfect example. There’s a drive inside that guy that’s unbelievable. That guy’s team has won 13 championships, and he’s so excited just to get out here and race his hot rods.”
“He was down at the paint shop saying ‘I want it to look good.’ I want this. I want that. I’m thinking John has been doing this is seems like a 100 years and he’s still excited as I am. It’s unbelievable. You’ve got to have a huge drive. To me nothing else matters besides the family, of course. But as far as material things or things you got going, nothing else matters. The only thing that matters is being out here and being able to race. “I don’t even know if I have any fans. My mom and dad. Shoot. And my dad is working on this. “
“I hope so. He’s a tremendous guy. There are a lot of people to thank just getting here. Guys like Ben Marshall. He helped me get my license, and Mike Bacon with his Fuel Dragster. Al Bridges from Simpson. The list is a mile long. Frank Hawley at the Frank Hawley Drag Racing School was unbelievable help. They took care of me. Frank Gilfred. I drove his car here. John, of course, Austin, Bernie, my dad. Everybody. I don’t think that people realize how much help you get on your way here. On the outside it looks like…oh man. He got a shot. Cool. It’s not just somebody doing it on their own. All these guys, Jason, Morton, Brian and Ryan. We got three guys who are Bryan and Ryan. We get them confused. Everybody. Tony Pedregon. All of them helped me a tremendous amount just to be able to be here. I owe them a lot. I could name a thousand names but I don’t want to take up your tape. Jimmy Prock, Eric Lane, Billy Lane, Mike and Jimmy Wingo. You could take a list off of every guy here and everyone of them has come back and patted me on the back and said we support you. “ “That’s what means the most, to get a chance. It’s a good feeling. The win light is a good feeling, but nothing equals the feeling of everybody’s support. It gives you confidence and that’s the greatest thing in the world.
Inside Interviews
© 2004 Dwight Drum
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