John Force Racing’s Resilience in 2024: Overcoming Adversity on the Road to Pomona

John Force Racing (JFR) has endured a rollercoaster 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season, marked by both heartbreaking challenges and inspiring resilience. As the team heads toward the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals at Pomona, they carry with them the weight of a tumultuous campaign, beginning with a devastating accident in June.

JFR’s leader, 16-time NHRA champion John Force, was severely injured in a crash at Virginia Motorsports Park, suffering a brain injury that sidelined him for months. His absence from the track was a heavy blow, not just to his team’s performance but to their morale. In his stead, Jack Beckman drove the PEAK Chevrolet Funny Car, but the emotional toll was clear. The team’s spirit was tested, and their focus shifted to supporting John through his recovery.

When Force made his emotional return to racing in Las Vegas, the team was reinvigorated, and the atmosphere at JFR was charged with renewed energy. “Having my dad here for the first time since his crash, it wasn’t

pressure, it was more heart behind every single person on the team,” said Brittany Force, John’s daughter, after clinching her 17th career Top Fuel victory at the same event. The win ended a near two-year drought and brought much-needed hope to the team.

Meanwhile, Austin Prock, another standout driver for JFR, had an extraordinary season in the Funny Car division. Prock set a new record for most No. 1 qualifying positions in a season, surpassing John Force’s previous record. His victory in Las Vegas marked his 12th career win and put him in prime position to capture his first Funny Car championship. “We’ve had the emotions of going through John’s accident, but we’ve also had so much success. It’s been a little bit of both,” Prock reflected on the season.

With the NHRA Finals approaching, Prock is on the verge of securing the championship, needing only a strong performance in qualifying at Pomona to seal the title. Meanwhile, Brittany Force remains within striking distance of the Top Fuel leader, trailing by 118 points.

Despite the challenges, John Force Racing’s unwavering resolve is clear. The team has proven that even in the face of adversity, they remain a formidable force in the NHRA.