Former Funny Car world champion Jack Beckman has been named as the replacement driver for John Force’s Peak Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SS for the remainder of the 2024 NHRA season. John Force Racing has dubbed this strategic move “Joint Task Force – Mission Championship,” underscoring their commitment to contending for the championship title.
With a NHRA championship still within reach, John Force Racing President Robert Hight made the announcement on Tuesday. Beckman will make his debut behind the wheel of the Peak Camaro at this week’s non-championship event, the 47th annual Cornwell Tools “Night Under Fire” at Summit Motorsports Park. He will be joined by John Force Racing teammate Brittany Force, who will also compete in the Cornwell Tools Chevrolet dragster.
This driver change comes as John Force continues his recovery from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) sustained in a racing incident on June 23 in Richmond. “Fast Jack” Beckman will take over the driving duties of the iconic Peak Camaro, a car usually piloted by the 157-time tour winner, for the remaining races of the season. Force was injured while holding second place in the points standings, just behind his John Force Racing teammate Austin Prock.
NHRA rules allow teams to employ a substitute driver who can earn points for the original driver for up to eight tour events when the original driver is unable to compete. Beckman’s first points-earning race in the Peak Camaro will be at the 42nd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in Brainerd, beginning August 16th. He will be focused on securing a 17th championship title for John Force. Currently, Force sits sixth in the driver standings with two races left before the points reset for the Countdown to the Championship.
When you’re that fast, you return missed calls in person… @peakauto @NHRA @FastJackBeckman #TeamChevy https://t.co/gVudejmgZS pic.twitter.com/EUY4BISCjI
— John Force Racing (@JFR_Racing) July 30, 2024
According to Robert Hight, Jack Beckman was the clear frontrunner for the replacement role. “When you think about someone who can handle the driving, can deal with the media, take care of the sponsors and take care of the fans, there was only one obvious choice, and that was Jack Beckman,” Hight explained. He further emphasized Beckman’s existing relationships within the team, stating, “Plus, he has history with Chris Cunningham [co-crew chief on the Peak Chevy] and has the respect of John’s family.”
Beckman, a 33-time event winner in Funny Car, stepped away from full-time racing in 2020. He returned to his previous career as an elevator technician, a profession he had left 22 years prior to pursue his drag racing aspirations.
The 58-year-old Californian expressed his profound gratitude and awareness of the circumstances. “It’s been nearly four years since I stood on the throttle, and I thought that feeling was something I’d never experience again,” Beckman admitted. “Though the circumstances that brought me back are regrettable, the opportunity presented to me is beyond my ability to find words. I’m not replacing John … nobody could ever do that. John is one of a kind, and his impact on this sport, and my life, cannot be overemphasized. I know how fortunate I am to have been picked to fill in for John, and I should be easy to spot in the pits. I’ll be the guy who can’t stop smiling.”
Brian Bohlander, director of marketing at Old World Industries, representing Peak Antifreeze, voiced his support for Beckman. “We’re happy to have the Peak team back on track, and Jack is the right person for this job until John can return,” Bohlander said. “It’s great for the fans and our customers as Jack is an automotive enthusiast and DIYer who will fit right in with our program on and off the track.”
While Beckman secured the Funny Car championship in 2012, his most dominant season was in 2015. That year, he reached nine final rounds and claimed victory in seven races, narrowly missing a second championship title by a mere 56 points.
Beyond his on-track achievements, Beckman is a cancer survivor, a U.S. Air Force veteran, and a respected instructor. He has mentored over 7,000 students at Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School, teaching the fundamentals of drag racing. Notably, John Force’s daughters, Ashley, Brittany, and Courtney, along with his wife, Laurie, all honed their skills and earned their Super Comp licenses under Beckman’s guidance.
Before his success in Funny Car, Beckman clinched the 2003 NHRA Super Comp world championship. He holds licenses in an impressive 12 different NHRA competition categories, including Top Fuel, the class where he began his professional racing career in 2005.
Beckman transitioned to Funny Car in 2006, and quickly made his mark. In just his fourth race in the category, he won the NHRA Nevada Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Two weeks later, at the NHRA World Finals, he qualified No. 1, set national records for time and speed, and finished as runner-up to John Force.
Throughout his career, Beckman has distinguished himself as one of the few drivers to hold a winning record against the legendary John Force. Force’s most recent championship victory, his 16th, came in 2013 after starting the Countdown from the No. 4 position. Beckman secured his Funny Car championship from the No. 3 starting position. Team President Hight also etched his name in history in 2009, winning his first championship from the No. 10 starting position, a landmark achievement for himself and JFR. With Beckman stepping in, John Force Racing aims to maintain their championship aspirations and continue their legacy of success in the NHRA.
