John Force Racing has ignited the PRO Superstar Shootout at Bradenton Motorsports Park with a commanding early performance, signaling a powerful start to the season for the legendary team. This early success builds on the momentum from Austin Prock’s remarkable NHRA Mission Foods Championship victory just three months prior, achieved in his debut season driving a nitro Funny Car for John Force Racing.
Austin Prock continued to demonstrate his exceptional talent and synergy with John Force Racing by seizing the qualifying lead for the second race at the shootout. Piloting his formidable Cornwell Tools Chevrolet SS, Prock clocked an impressive time of 3.816 seconds at a blistering speed of 332.84 mph. This near-record run was tantalizingly close to his own track record of 3.805 seconds, previously set during testing, showcasing the raw speed and potential of the John Force Racing team and their equipment.
Prock, in a team press release, conveyed his satisfaction with the run, stating, “We backed it down a little. It’s tough to say that when you run 3.81, but we just wanted to make sure it went down the racetrack and it was a nice, safe run to get us locked in the show. That way we can have three opportunities to learn tomorrow.” He emphasized the learning opportunities provided by the multiple sessions scheduled, highlighting the team’s commitment to continuous improvement and data acquisition. “We have a morning session, an afternoon session and an evening session, so a lot to be learned and we’re in a good place to do that,” Prock added. He also expressed immense pride in his team, recounting a challenging run where a fogged windshield nearly impaired his visibility, yet he managed to secure the top qualifying position, showcasing his skill and determination.
Brittany Force, another prominent driver for John Force Racing and a two-time Top Fuel World Champion, also delivered a strong qualifying performance. She secured the second position in the Top Fuel category, further solidifying John Force Racing’s strong presence across different classes. Force expressed her positive outlook after her run, commenting, “Pretty solid start to qualifying. Car went right down the racetrack and it did exactly what we wanted it to do. So, we feel really good going into tomorrow. Now we can really push and see what we can get away with going into race day.” Her statement reflects the confidence and strategic approach John Force Racing brings to each event, aiming for consistent improvement and peak performance on race day.
Adding to the team’s accolades at the shootout, Jack Beckman, a seasoned racer, made a notable comeback, recording the second-best time in his category. Driving the PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevy, Beckman clocked in at 3.836 seconds at 329.99 mph. His performance is particularly significant as it marks a strong return to competitive racing, and his quick adaptation and speed are a testament to his expertise and the quality of the John Force Racing program. Beckman himself reflected on the exciting qualifying session: “So cool. Thursday. Night session. Last pair of Funny Cars, the No. 1 and 2 cars in the country last year and we go to No. 1 and 2 in qualifying. Our PEAK Chevy SS was awesome. It did everything we wanted it to do and there’s more in it for tomorrow night.”
John Force Racing’s impressive showing at the PRO Superstar Shootout underscores their unwavering commitment to excellence and their position as a dominant force in drag racing. With drivers like Austin Prock, Brittany Force, and Jack Beckman delivering top-tier performances, the team is poised for a thrilling and successful season.
