2013 Eric Medlen Scholarship

We are pleased to announce the continuation of two scholarships in memory of Eric Medlen. A graduate of Oakdale High, Medlen was tragically injured and later succumbed during a testing accident in his NHRA funny car in Gainesville, FL in 2007. He was 33 years old. In July of 2012, over 300 people gathered in Oakdale’s Bridle Ridge community as the Eric Medlen Park was dedicated. A fundraising effort to erect a monument remembering Medlen came together thanks to private donations from family, friends and fans. Donations from this project have allowed us to continue the scholarships” said Mimi Medlen, Eric’s mom. A $1000 Agricultural Scholarship will be awarded to an Oakdale senior whose interests in the Agricultural field takes them to a two or four year college or university. And an Automotive Scholarship in the amount of $500 will be awarded to an Oakdale graduating senior whose interests in automotive studies or automotive engineering takes them to a two or four year learning institution. Raised in Oakdale, Eric grew up around his dad’s machine shop where he learned to love all things mechanical. However, he also loved his horses and team roping. “The scholarships reflect his passion for horsepower - roping and racing,” said his mom. The scholarship deadline is March 29, 2013 and scholarship applications are on file at the Oakdale High School counseling office or download the scholarship applications on this website.

Save the Date!

You are invited to the dedication of the new
Eric Medlen Park on Monday, July 30 at 10am.

The park is located in the Bridle Ridge neighborhood on Greger Street and Parkside Drive in Oakdale.
For directions to the park click on "The Park" tab in the menue bar above.

For Immediate Release Contact Oakdale Chamber of Commerce (209) 847-2244

The community is invited to the dedication of the new Eric Medlen Park on Monday, July 30, at 10am. The park is located in the Bridle Ridge neighborhood on Greger Street and Parkside Drive in Oakdale.

The late Eric Medlen grew up in Oakdale and graduated from Oakdale High School. Medlen competed in the California High School Rodeo Association and excelled in the Team Roping event. After graduation, Eric was offered a job opportunity of a life time to work alongside his father on the professional NHRA team of John Force Racing. Eric spent the next three years attending Terra Technical University in Fremont, OH, where he studied automotive engineering before joining the Force Team full time. Eric worked for eight years as a clutch specialist and his last three years as a driver, where he was the winner of six tour events and eight times a No. 1 qualifier. Eric had a contagious smile an outgoing personality and a witty sense of humor. All of which made him a fan favorite, especially with the young fans. He truly enjoyed what he was doing and the career path he had chosen.

Medlen was tragically injured and later succumbed during a testing accident in his NHRA funny car in Gainesville, FL in 2007. He was 33 years old.

The idea to name a park honoring Medlen in the newly developed Bridle Ridge neighborhood came from citizens of the community. The idea was presented to the Recreation Department then to the Oakdale City Council and approved. The dedication will also include the unveiling of a monument, dedicated to The Children of Oakdale, signifying Eric's love for his hometown and kids. The monument was built with private donations through Eric's "Circle of Friends."

For more information, call the Oakdale Chamber of Commerce at (209) 847-2244 or refer to the website www.ericmedlenpark.com

  You are invited to join the family and friends of Eric Medlen in creating a monument and naming a City park in honor of his champion spirit. Eric Medlen Park will be located on Greger Street in his home town of Oakdale, CA. and the project has been approved by the City of Oakdale.
  Eric always had a winning attitude, a champion spirit and a smile on his face. He was a first class practical joker and would go out of his way to make someone laugh if they where having a bad day.
   Eric loved children, especially his young race fans and would always make time for them at the track. For this reason, Eric's family and circle of friends believe that it would be a fitting tribute to erect a monument and name a City park in his honor where children can play and smile.
  There will be a number of fundraising opportunities coming up where YOU can be involved in helping Eric's family and friends to complete and maintain the project.

"You can never be sad while eating a bowl of ice cream"

Movies in the Park

Saturday June 16th

Eric Medlen Park Fundraiser

Eric said, “You can never be sad while eating a bowl of ice cream”... and it’s true, you can’t! Come enjoy some ice cream and a movie. Help build an everlasting monument to the champion spirit and winning attitude of Eric Medlen in Oakdale, CA. Tell your friends to join us at Movies in the Park for a screening of “Cars” June 16th. Bring the kids to Cottleswood park (Ventanas Ave and East J St.) in Oakdale for a wild ride chasing the dream and learning about a TRUE HERO TRUE CHAMPION and a TRUE FREND! While the kids watch Lightning McQueen chase his dream of the Piston Cup, come see Eric Medlen’s real “Wally”, the coveted NHRA the Funny Car trophy that was won by Eric Medlen at Infineon Raceway, his home track, in 2006.

Cars: [Disney/Pixar; Released : 9 June 2006
Genre : Animation | Adventure | Comedy
Staring : Owen Wilson, Bonnie Hunt and Paul Newman Duration : 1 hr 57min] While traveling to California for the dispute of the final race of the Piston Cup against The King and Chick Hicks, the famous Lightning McQueen accidentally damages the road of the small town Radiator Springs and is sentenced to repair it. Lightning McQueen has to work hard and finds friendship and love in the simple locals, changing its values during his stay in the small town and becoming a true winner.

Champion Chili Verde Dinner

Saturday June 9th, 2012

Eric Medlen Park Fundraiser

  Saturday June 9th, 2012 at the historic H-B Saloon and Bachi's Family Restaurant, 401 East "f" St., Oakdale, CA. Get your grub on with a Champion Chili Verde Dinner! Tickets are $20 each and seating is limited so hurry and get yours! Tickets are available at The House of Beef, Cow Track Lounge, H-B Saloon and Bachi's Family Restaurant. For more info call (209) 847-4028

The Goal