Last year’s NHRA Auto Club Finals marked the final national event that “Big” Mike Aiello ever attended. Yesterday a group of friends honored the spirit of his life.

Aiello was injured in 1999 while working as a deliveryman for Federal Express and eventually lost the feeling in his lower extremities becoming wheelchair bound. He was always a source of inspiration and because of that 1320tv.com created an award in his honor.

John Medlen was named the first-ever Mike Aiello Award winner for his positive outlook throughout the death of his son. Medlen, through John Force Racing, has labored tirelessly to bring safety to a new level for Funny Cars. He also served as a pillar of strength for the team and members of the racing community.

“Big” Mike would have been proud. His longtime friend and Funny Car racer Jack Beckman presented the award in a small ceremony.

“The shame about most people is you don’t know how people felt about you until you are gone,” Beckman said. “I hope Mike had an inkling what everyone’s opinion was of him before he left. He’s a guy that gave most of his life to the sport; the people involved in it and also helped Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com along the way since he wasn’t going to be able to drive a car in his condition. Here’s a guy that gave up his health because of an accident on the job.

Last year’s NHRA Auto Club Finals marked the final national event that “Big” Mike Aiello ever attended. Yesterday a group of friends honored the spirit of his life.

Aiello was injured in 1999 while working as a deliveryman for Federal Express and eventually lost the feeling in his lower extremities becoming wheelchair bound. He was always a source of inspiration and because of that 1320tv.com created an award in his honor.

John Medlen was named the first-ever Mike Aiello Award winner for his positive outlook throughout the death of his son. Medlen, through John Force Racing, has labored tirelessly to bring safety to a new level for Funny Cars. He also served as a pillar of strength for the team and members of the racing community.

“Big” Mike would have been proud. His longtime friend and Funny Car racer Jack Beckman presented the award in a small ceremony.

“The shame about most people is you don’t know how people felt about you until you are gone,” Beckman said. “I hope Mike had an inkling what everyone’s opinion was of him before he left. He’s a guy that gave most of his life to the sport; the people involved in it and also helped Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com along the way since he wasn’t going to be able to drive a car in his condition. Here’s a guy that gave up his health because of an accident on the job.

“Mike knew he had medical issues and a lot of challenges and I didn’t know until the end that the likelihood of his survival wasn’t strong. He never showed it or complained about his health. He’s the guy you wanted to hang around if you wanted to feel good about your self.

“He didn’t want to talk about his condition. He always wanted to know how you were doing and all about your car. It is good to honor him with this.”

Susan Wade of 1320tv.com said the award was created to ensure Mike’s memory remained alive in drag racing.

“We didn’t want Mike to be forgotten and we came here in February and it just wasn’t the same without him,” Wade said. “We see a lot of people go through a lot and they remain positive. You always saw Mike and though he was going through a lot, he never complained.

“He was in a lot of pain and he didn’t get help the way he should have. The insurance pretty much basically let him die. He was encouraging and positive all the time. I always felt that we should have been the ones to encourage him and yet he always encouraged us. He was always doing something nice for someone.”

This year’s award was called The Mike Aiello Award. Wade said at the recommendation of Roger Richards, the award will be renamed The Mike Aiello Spirit of Drag Racing Award.

“Those who didn’t know Mike, will know what it stands for now,” Wade said. “This award is about those who persevere through hardships and remain positive. John Medlen was the perfect candidate.”