BRITTANY FORCE BREAKS TWO-YEAR WINLESS DROUGHT WITH SPECIAL…read more
Brittany Force ended her two-year winless streak with a powerful victory at the Ford Performance NHRA Nationals in Las Vegas. In a memorable moment at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Force ran an impressive 3.703 seconds at 332.59 mph to beat Doug Kalitta in the finals, as Kalitta faced car issues and slowed to 6.147 seconds. The win carried special meaning, not just for Brittany but for all of John Force Racing, as it marked a successful season turnaround and a return to the winner’s circle after her last victory at the same event two years ago.
Reflecting on the achievement, Brittany said, “This one is definitely special… It’s been a tough season for all of us, and I haven’t been in the winner’s circle for two years.” She expressed how her team’s hard work and gradual progress on the track led to a strong sense of optimism going into the race. Adding to the excitement, Brittany’s father, NHRA legend John Force, was there to celebrate with her after recovering from a traumatic brain injury he suffered in a crash in June. This was his first race back, making Brittany’s 17th career Top Fuel Wally even more poignant for the Force family and the team’s sponsors, including Monster Energy, Cornwell Tools, and HendrickCars.com.
The final rounds of the race were initially scheduled for Sunday but were postponed due to delays caused by a crash cleanup and unfavorable weather. This delay tested Brittany’s resolve, as she explained, “It’s already tough because it’s not Sunday…You’re on a high, turning on win lights, ready to race. But then you have to go home, sleep on it, and come back Monday. It doesn’t feel quite like race day without the crowd and Sunday excitement.” Adjusting to this unconventional schedule, Force and her team managed to regain their focus, navigating their way to a strong Monday finish. On Sunday, she had already defeated Josh Hart, Shawn Reed, and Clay Millican, setting the stage for her showdown with Kalitta.
Brittany praised her team’s mental strength, saying, “You have to mentally get yourself back there, put the noise out, and stay confident.” Her crew chiefs, David Grubnic and John Collins, played a crucial role in this victory, working tirelessly to prepare the car for the weekend. Brittany’s confidence in their abilities and the team’s lane choice helped her stay focused and feel prepared as she approached the final round, which went smoothly despite some familiar “chatter” in the car that they’d been monitoring all weekend.
This win meant more than just breaking a streak. For Brittany, it was the result of her team’s dedication, patience, and resilience, especially after two challenging, winless seasons. She admitted it was tough going so long without a win but credited her team’s unwavering positivity and confidence as key to keeping them motivated. Looking ahead to Pomona, she remarked, “We needed that. Our team needed that win, and now we’re ready.” The Vegas track holds a special place in Brittany’s career, and this victory not only recharged the team’s morale but set a hopeful tone for the rest of the season.
