The status of Robert Hight, a celebrated three-time NHRA Funny Car champion and president of John Force Racing, remains a topic of considerable discussion within the racing community. An Update On John Force Racing regarding Hight has only intensified the speculation surrounding his return to the competitive circuit.
Since stepping back in January for medical leave, Hight has emphasized his well-being above all else. His continued absence from NHRA events throughout the past year, along with recent announcements from John Force Racing, has naturally led to questions about both his future in racing and the strategic direction of John Force Racing.
Hight’s role as president of John Force Racing, a position he has held since January 2011, underscores his significant influence within the organization beyond just driving.
During a media interaction on June 7 in Bristol, Tennessee, team owner John Force addressed the ongoing questions about Hight. Force clarified that Hight is at home and not hospitalized, choosing to avoid racetracks and media attention as he manages his situation. As John Force stated, as reported by Drag Illustrated:
A candid shot of Robert Hight and John Force together, symbolizing their close relationship and Hight’s integral role within John Force Racing, amidst updates on Hight’s medical leave and future racing status.
“No, Robert’s good. What’s he going through right now, the process is continually. He’s not in the hospital. He’s at home. He just doesn’t want to come to the races. He don’t want to answer all the questions.”
Adding another layer to the unfolding situation, the announcement at the PRI Show in Indianapolis revealed that Hight will not be competing in a Funny Car in 2025. This decision highlights the complex adjustments John Force Racing is navigating as they adapt to changes within their team structure and driver lineup.
Robert Hight’s career is marked by remarkable achievements, including 65 victories, 102 final round appearances, and securing the number one qualifying position 84 times. These statistics firmly place him among the NHRA’s elite. His legacy is further cemented by his NHRA championships in 2009, 2017, and 2019. With 626 round wins, Hight holds the third-highest rank in Funny Car history, demonstrating his consistent performance and competitive edge. Despite these accolades, Hight’s focus remains resolutely on his health. Reflecting this priority, he stated in January:
“I have to put my health first. Once this is resolved, I’ll be back.”
In the interim, Austin Prock has stepped into Hight’s racing shoes, taking over his driving responsibilities. Prock’s transition to the Funny Car division is supported by a newly established three-year sponsorship agreement with Cornwell Tools. Notably, it was Hight himself who recommended Prock as his replacement, indicating a level of trust and foresight in the team’s future direction.
Further team adjustments saw Jack Beckman named as the replacement for John Force in the PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SS for the 2024 season. This change came after Force’s unfortunate crash at the Virginia Nationals. Beckman’s extensive experience in Funny Car racing, coupled with his established working relationship with co-crew chief Chris Cunningham, made him a logical and capable choice to fill this role.
John Force is also in the process of recovery following his crash. Regarding his own potential return to racing, Force commented:
“I’m still going to therapy every week and working as hard as I can to get back out there with the sponsors and the fans in a sport I love and I miss. I’ve still got a lot of things I want to do, so I don’t want anybody thinking they’ve seen the last of John Force. We’ll have a lot more to talk about after the holidays.”
The update on John Force Racing and Robert Hight’s situation underscores a period of transition and adaptation for the team. While uncertainty remains regarding Hight’s return to racing, the team is making strategic moves to ensure competitiveness and stability in the NHRA circuit. The focus for now remains on both Hight and Force’s recoveries and the continued performance of the team under these evolving circumstances.
