By David G. Firestone
So with this week’s column, I really struggled with how I was going to go about this. Sure there were some news stories I thought should be discussed, but I’m going to push them back. There really isn’t any other story that needs to be discussed other than the John Force wreck.
Let’s start at the beginning. In 2024, John Force had two wins, The Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, and The NHRA New England Nationals at New England Dragway. Force looked to be a championship contender…up until The Virginia NHRA Nationals at Virginia Motorsports Park.
At that race, during the first round, Force suffered a serious engine explosion and a crash. Though he was alert, clearly talking with paramedics, it wasn’t until he got to the hospital that he was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury, amongst other injuries. He was in ICU for some time, with reports stating he was having cognitive issues, and has since been released, and is recovering at home.
2012 Funny Car champion, and friend of the site, Jack Beckman has been tapped to replace Force for the rest of the season, though, at the time of writing, no plans beyond 2024 have been announced.
After thinking this over, I’m thinking that this might be the critical incident that causes John Force to retire from Funny Car, at the very least, full time. John Force is 75 years old, and while he’s still great behind the wheel, he’s no spring chicken. Force toyed with retirement during the COVID-19 pandemic, not racing the bulk of the 2020 season, returning in 2021.
This however, may really be the end. John has raced in drag racing since 1971. He was racing before many of the current competitors were born. In terms of wins and championships, he has more than anybody in the professional categories of the NHRA. He really is the greatest of all time. Nobody will ever argue that. Even fans who hate him respect what he did behind the wheel.
Father time however, waits for no man, and respects no racing records. Every career has an expiration date, regardless of who you are or what industry you are in. Force has had one of, if not the longest professional careers in auto racing. His records speak for themselves, and he has been an ambassador for the sport. But, again, all good things must come to an end.
I do feel bad for John Force. I’ve met the man, and had a few conversations with him, and he is the best mouthpiece for the sport. He’s also the last of the old-school tough guys in racing. They just don’t build them like they used to. Force will continue as a team owner, and he may race every now and again, but his full-time career is more than likely over. I will miss him as will many other fans.
With that, I will continue with racing news next week.
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