NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Veteran crew chief John Medlen has joined AB Motorsports, owned and driven by four-time NHRA Top Fuel world champion Antron Brown, as a consultant for the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.

Medlen, a respected leader in nitro racing for over three decades, brings hands-on experience, deep technical knowledge, and proven leadership to the AB Motorsports Top Fuel program. 

In his consultant role, Medlen will work closely with the team, including crew chief Brian Corradi and co-crew chief Brad Mason, to provide strategic and technical support as the organization continues to build toward sustained championship success.

“I am very, very excited to have John Medlen come aboard AB Motorsports,” Brown said. “He brings a wealth of knowledge, and he will be a great addition to Brian Corradi, Brad Mason, and our entire team at AB Motorsports. John’s infectious personality, drive, and passion to win fit right in here, and his attention to detail is truly second to none.”

Medlen is a 30-plus-year nitro racing veteran whose career dates back to the 1980s, when he worked with drivers such as Rudy Toepke before going on to become a key figure at John Force Racing. Over the years, Medlen has also contributed to successful programs with drivers including Don Prudhomme, Cruz Pedregon, and Paul Lee, and was part of Ron Capps’ championship nitro Funny Car team in 2021 and 2022.

“I’m very excited, encouraged, and optimistic. I’ve had the privilege to work with Brian and Brad previously,” Medlen said. “I’ve also worked with many of the crew guys, and even hired some of them who are on Antron’s team. I’m looking forward to a very fun and interesting season and complementing the team with my years of knowledge and tuning experience.”