Confident ‘Fast Jack’ Beckman Chases History at NHRA Texas Fall…read more
DALLAS, Texas (Oct. 8, 2024) – Jack Beckman, known as “Fast Jack,” continues his drive for the Mission Foods Funny Car championship, stepping in for legendary driver John Force, who was sidelined due to a traumatic brain injury from a June crash in Richmond, Va. This week, Beckman will take on the all-concrete Texas Motorplex at the 39th annual NHRA Texas Fall Nationals, piloting the PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SS.
Beckman comes into Dallas riding a wave of momentum after securing a pivotal win two weeks ago at the NHRA Midwest Nationals in St. Louis, marking his first victory since taking over for Force. This win has positioned him second in the Countdown to the Championship, trailing teammate Austin Prock by 105 points with three races left in the season.
Despite the point gap, Beckman, a 36-time national event winner, is filled with confidence as he prepares for the race in Dallas, where he last won in 2020 before stepping away from the sport due to sponsorship issues. The 58-year-old racing instructor and historian sees his recent success as motivation for more.
“There’s no better motivation than winning the previous race,” Beckman remarked. “Our PEAK Chevy team showed what they’re capable of in St. Louis, and everyone’s ready for a repeat performance this week.”
Dallas holds a special place in Beckman’s heart. He fondly recalled attending the very first national event at the Texas Motorplex in 1986, when he and a U.S. Air Force buddy made a 500-mile trip in a Chevy Chevette. Now, with his passion for racing reignited and his 87-year-old father, “Slow Bob” Beckman, close by, Jack is eager to get back behind the wheel.
Beckman’s return to NHRA competition after a three-year hiatus has been nothing short of remarkable. In five races driving Force’s PEAK Camaro, he has already claimed a victory, finished runner-up at the Reading event in an all-John Force Racing final, and compiled a strong 12-4 elimination record. His performances have helped elevate Force from sixth to second in the standings.
Although Beckman has steadily grown more comfortable with each lap in the car, he credits much of his success to his team. Dan Hood, Chris Cunningham, Tim Fabrisi, and the entire PEAK crew have consistently provided a reliable, competitive car, which has boosted Beckman’s confidence.
“When you know your crew has everything covered, whether it’s new parts or tuning the car, you trust that it’ll perform every time,” Beckman said. He highlighted the team’s aggressiveness during the final round in St. Louis, noting how crucial it was to push the car harder. “When you’re defensive, you back the car off. But when you trust in your equipment and your setup, you lean on it. And we leaned on it in St. Louis.”
Beckman, a former Super Comp World Champion in 2003, is hoping to build on this momentum as he continues his campaign to secure the championship for Force, aiming to add another victory to his already impressive resume at the Texas Fall Nationals.
