Gary Densham's successful weekend activities have been overshadowed by the tragic loss of Eric Medlen. As a former John Force Racing driver who worked closely with the Medlen family, the loss of Eric hit home especially hard for Densham.

“I knew Eric for a long time, and whether it was being a crew member, roping bulls, or driving a race car, he went at it full blast,” Densham remembered. “Force gave him the opportunity to drive one of these cars, and he had the potential to be one of best for years to come, but unfortunately we will never find out.”

Gary Densham's successful weekend activities have been overshadowed by the tragic loss of Eric Medlen. As a former John Force Racing driver who worked closely with the Medlen family, the loss of Eric hit home especially hard for Densham.

“I knew Eric for a long time, and whether it was being a crew member, roping bulls, or driving a race car, he went at it full blast,” Densham remembered. “Force gave him the opportunity to drive one of these cars, and he had the potential to be one of best for years to come, but unfortunately we will never find out.”

Densham was quick to point out that the improved safety of today’s cars make tragedies such as this one less likely than they used to be.

“I am one of the few still around that raced in the ‘70s, when we would lose someone like this at what seemed like every race,” Densham continued. “We participate in a dangerous sport, and thank God we have made these cars so much safer. On the other hand, it makes things like this seem to hit that much harder.”

“99 times out of 100 when an accident like Eric’s happens, you are gonna get out and walk away with nothing more than a scratched up race car,” Densham said. “It didn’t happen that way this time, and let’s just hope we go a real long time before something like this happens again.”