John Force’s Rivals Respond to the ‘Unprecedented Situation’ Involving the NHRA Legend
In the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, drag racing legend John Force, a record 16-time Funny Car champion, has had a challenging season. After suffering a serious brain injury in a June accident at Virginia Motorsports Park, Force has been unable to compete, missing his first U.S. Nationals in a non-Covid year since 1983 and announcing that he will sit out the remainder of the season, including the six-race Countdown to the Championship playoffs. His competitors have responded to the news that another driver will now accumulate points for the Force team.
Force’s absence has had broader implications beyond his own recovery. It has led to 2012 class champion Jack Beckman stepping in since August 16 at the 42nd Lucas Oil Nationals in Brainerd, Minnesota, to sustain the championship prospects for the racing legend.
Ron Capps, a three-time Funny Car champion and a veteran competitor of Force, called the situation unprecedented.
“We’re in a unique situation,” Capps said to Autoweek. “From my perspective, we’re navigating uncharted territory with John Force and what might happen if any of us were in a similar situation.” He added, “For now, I don’t mind it. I enjoy seeing his name out there.”
