John Force 2025 Replacement Confirmed As NHRA Champion Continues…read more
John Force, a dominant figure in NHRA racing with 16 Funny Car championships and 157 career wins, has confirmed that he will not return to the track for the 2025 season as he continues to recover from a severe injury. Force, 75, has been focused on his health following a traumatic brain injury (TBI) sustained in a crash during June 2024. As part of his recovery, he has been undergoing therapy under the care of TBI specialists, with hopes of eventually returning to the sport. However, for the time being, his absence will bring changes to John Force Racing as the team prepares for the next racing season.
In light of Force’s ongoing recovery, Jack Beckman, a former Funny Car world champion, has been named as the driver to fill Force’s role for the 2025 season. Beckman is no stranger to the NHRA scene, having won the Funny Car title in 2012 and competed until 2020. He had already stepped in to replace Force after the crash, keeping the seat warm as Force took time to focus on his recovery. Beckman’s familiarity with John Force Racing, along with his history of success, made him the ideal choice to continue in Force’s absence.
The decision to have Beckman take over as the driver for the upcoming season provides a sense of stability and optimism for John Force Racing. Beckman has built a strong rapport with co-crew chief Chris Cunningham, further solidifying the confidence the team has in him as a successor. As Force takes the time he needs to heal, the team remains hopeful for a future return, but they are also excited about Beckman’s leadership during this transitional period.
Despite the setback, Force remains optimistic and dedicated to his recovery. In a recent statement, Force expressed his continued commitment to getting back on track, telling reporters, “I’m still going to therapy every week and working as hard as I can to get back out there with the sponsors and the fans in a sport I love and I miss. I’ve still got a lot of things I want to do, so I don’t want anybody thinking they’ve seen the last of John Force. We’ll have a lot more to talk about after the holidays.”
With his health and recovery being the top priority, Force’s legacy in the NHRA remains secure, and fans are eagerly awaiting his eventual return to the sport. In the meantime, Jack Beckman will continue to represent John Force Racing and carry forward the team’s strong tradition.
