A family member confirmed that former NHRA Funny Car champion Shirl Greer has been in a medically induced coma since last Thursday.

Greer, of Kingsport, Tenn., is at the James H. Quillen VA Hospital in nearby Johnson City and is listed in severe critical condition and on maximum life support.

“The doctors essentially told us to inform the family if they want to visit with Dad, to not wait until tomorrow – to come today,” Brian Greer, the youngest of Greer’s three sons, told Competition Plus. “He is not in good shape right now, and the doctors are doing everything they can for him. I will say that if there’s anyone who can make it out of this, it’s the champ.”

Greer recently underwent surgery for colon cancer and following the operation developed an infection.

“The doctors have tried everything to get the infection, but it’s his heart that has kept him going,” said Brian. “He’s a fighter and will always be. That’s what made him the champion, by never giving up.”

Greer has undergone four surgeries in the last two weeks, including one today.

“The doctors aren’t so sure that he’ll make it through the night,” said his son. “I just don’t know how much more he can take. We have always considered the drag racing community to be our family, and right now, we need every prayer we can get. It’s less than day by day -- it is minute by minute.

“Miracles happen, and I know either way, God will take care of him. I know that when his day comes, it won’t be a day of sadness. It will be a day for celebration for the life of one of the most dedicated racers drag racing ever had. He gave everything he had to racing.”

Greer captured the 1974 NHRA Funny Car championship, and his comeback from a devastating fire during qualifying at the 1974 NHRA Finals was voted by fans in 2004 as the No. 9 Most Memorable Moment in the history of the event. As one of four drivers with a mathematical chance of winning the title, Greer, with help from the teams of Al Hanna and Paul Smith, rebuilt his Mustang Funny Car in a 17-hour marathon.

Despite severe burns on his hands, Greer competed in eliminations and clinched the season championship when Don Prudhomme lost in the second round to Dale Pulde.