Drag racing icon John Force, a name synonymous with speed and determination in motorsports, is cleared to return to the track after recovering from a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The legendary John Force Race Car Driver, celebrated for his remarkable career spanning five decades, will attend the 24th NHRA Nevada Nationals at The Strip in Las Vegas Motor Speedway from November 1-3. This highly anticipated return comes as two of his John Force Racing Funny Car teams are fiercely competing for the NHRA Mission Foods Funny Car Championship, and his daughter Brittany Force continues to showcase her Top Fuel prowess.
Force, a 75-year-old resident of Yorba Linda, California, and an esteemed inductee into numerous auto racing Halls of Fame, expressed his eagerness to be back in the racing environment. “Vegas is close enough to home that Laurie and I can drive over,” Force stated, highlighting his commitment to the sport and his fans. “I want to show my support for our race teams, the fans, and all our sponsors. They’ve stuck with me during a hard time, and I want them to know that I haven’t forgotten them and I haven’t gone anywhere. I’ve just been doing my rehab, trying to stay strong.”
The john force race car driver’s journey to recovery began after a significant crash on June 23rd in Richmond, Virginia. However, Force revealed that doctors have been addressing not only the immediate injury but also the cumulative effects of numerous high-impact incidents throughout his illustrious 50-year career. This career has seen him amass an astounding 157 tour victories and 16 championships, solidifying his status as a true legend in the world of drag racing.
Before the unfortunate crash, Force was enjoying a successful season, having already secured two wins. His PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet team was a strong contender for the championship title. Following a brief hiatus of two races, the team made a comeback at Brainerd, Minnesota, with seasoned former World Champion Jack Beckman stepping in to drive the PEAK Camaro.
Beckman’s performance has been nothing short of exceptional. He clinched victory at the NHRA Midwest Nationals in St. Louis on September 30th. As they head into the NHRA Nevada Nationals at LVMS, the penultimate race in the Countdown to the Championship, Beckman is hot on the heels of teammate Austin Prock in the Mission driver standings. Prock, with seven wins under his belt in the Cornwell Tools and AAA Chevrolet, leads the charge, setting the stage for an intense team battle for the championship.
Despite his progress in recovery, john force race car driver John Force acknowledges that it is still an ongoing process. “I’m still a work in progress,” Force admitted. “I have good days and bad days, but I’m motivated. Beckman’s been doing a good job working with Dan Hood, (Chris) Cunningham and (Tim) Fabrisi. He tells me it’s still my car but he’s driving it like it’s his. It’s been exciting to watch him and (Austin) Prock on Fox, but watching on TV is not the same as being there.”
Looking ahead, Force is particularly enthusiastic about supporting his daughter, Brittany Force, and her Top Fuel team. “I want to be there for Brittany and that team with (David) Grubnic and John Collins. They’re gonna win a race with Monster and HendrickCars.com and Chevrolet, and I want to be there when they do,” he expressed with palpable excitement. “And I really can’t wait to see all my guys. I love them and I’ve missed them and can’t wait to be with them again.” The return of john force race car driver to the NHRA Nevada Nationals is not just a personal milestone but a significant moment for the entire drag racing community, signaling the resilience and unwavering spirit of a true champion.
