- The Lucas Oil Eric Medlen Memorial has raised over $1,400,000 for Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent, supporting pediatric neurology research and honoring late NHRA Funny Car driver, Eric Medlen
- Tournament registration is now open – players can register for a sponsorship package, foursome or as a single player at https://www.ericmedlenmemorial.com/
INDIANAPOLIS (April 16, 2024) – Lucas Oil Products, the world leader and distributor of high-performance automotive additives and lubricants, is pleased to announce the opening of registration for the 16th Lucas Oil Eric Medlen Memorial Golf Tournament to be held at Eagle Creek Golf Course on August 29, 2024. The annual event is held in memory of Eric Medlen, a revered NHRA Funny Car driver, with all money raised benefiting Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital (PMCH) at Ascension St. Vincent.
Funds raised will continue to support the new Women and Children’s Tower at Ascension St. Vincent and Dr. Jodi Smith’s pediatric neurology research. Contributions from the tournament, more than $1,400,000 to date, have facilitated significant advancements at PMCH, including advanced diagnostic tools as well as new equipment and facilities that support pediatric treatment and care for patients and their families.
“Since the beginning of this tournament, our goal has always been to honor Eric’s legacy by helping the children at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent,” said Lucas Oil President Katie Lucas. “Thanks to our generous sponsors, golfers and corporate partners, we have reached major milestones in our efforts. We have celebrated 15 years and surpassed the million-dollar mark in donations, significantly enhancing the pediatric care capabilities at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital not only for children in Indianapolis but throughout the region. Every year we are overwhelmed by the level of community support for this tournament and it is my sincere hope that this event continues to flourish in Eric’s memory.”
Eric Medlen, a promising and skilled Funny Car racer, tragically lost his life in a testing accident. Known not just for his driving prowess but also for his magnetic personality and multifaceted talents, Medlen was admired both on and off the track. His death prompted a major overhaul in Funny Car design for the first time in three decades. In his honor, John Force Racing introduced the “Eric Medlen Chassis,” incorporating padded roll bars to enhance driver safety.
“Eric was a good friend, terrific competitor and just an incredible person to be around,” said Lucas Oil CEO Morgan Lucas. “He touched many lives, including mine, so this tournament is our small way of remembering him and sharing his story and spirit with others. We are so grateful for the years of support and giving that have been made in his memory.”
The tournament offers numerous sponsorship opportunities for those wishing to support both the event and the children’s hospital. Thanks to generous long term sponsors like the Indianapolis Colts, Kalitta Motorsports, Lubrizol, and Webster West Packaging, the memorial event has surpassed one million dollars in donations to PMCH.
To register for the tournament or view available sponsorships, please visit www.EricMedlenMemorial.com or contact ericmedlenmemorial@lucasoil.com.
About Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent
Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent (PMCH) is a full service, dedicated children’s medical center providing the highest quality, family-centered care. PMCH has more than 160 licensed beds, which includes a 15-bed Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, a 17-bed Pediatric Emergency Department, and a 99-bed Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, providing the highest level of acute care as established by the American Academy of Pediatrics. The hospital offers 24-hour on-site coverage by pediatric hospitalists, intensivists, neonatologists, and board-certified emergency physicians, and provides safe and streamlined critical care transport by ambulance and air. Visit www.getpeytonmanningcare.com.
