In the world of motorsports, few names are as enduring as John Force’s. This year’s Toyota-sponsored U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park are bittersweet because they fall on the same day as Force’s untimely death. Because of a serious brain injury he had in an accident that nearly killed him close to Richmond, Virginia, the event, which is a prelude to the Countdown, is not possible.
John Force, a titan of the drag racing world, has left an indelible mark on the U.S. Nationals, clinching five Funny Car victories and competing a staggering 43 times. His presence has been a constant at what he once described as “the biggest drag race in the world”.
This year, however, his PEAK Chevy Camaro is under the capable hands of 2012 Funny Car champion, Jack Beckman, as Force focuses on recovery.
The absence of the racer has echoed throughout the racing community, with fellow racer Ron Capps expressing a poignant acknowledgement of Force’s impact.
“Already we’re getting a glimpse of NHRA without John Force,” Capps reflected via Autoweek. “Throughout history, we’ve had these heroes/icons of the sport that have pretty much carried the sport through certain periods of its time, going way back.
“And certainly, when you look back years from now, you’re going to see that Snake and The Mongoose and Don Garlits and ‘The Greek’ [Chris Karamesines] and ‘The Ace,’ you’re just talking about all the people that have had a stamp on NHRA’s history.
“It’s hard to top what John Force has done, and it’s very strange not having him around at the racetrack, for me, especially, as tight as we’ve been and how much he’s meant to me as a person on and off the racetrack.
“But [he’s] a foe, as well. It’s been some unbelievable match-ups. Every time we come up, it’s interesting to hear the people on TV talk about how many times we’ve met before, whether it’s a final round or for championships or just head-to-head. It’s a lot.
Capps, who was greatly impacted by Force on and off the track, expressed his excitement for Force’s comeback and put his friend’s well-being first.
“Everyone’s on pins and needles, just wondering when he’ll get back out,” he added. “But for me, it’s going to be a great sight the first time we have him back at the racetrack, whether it’s just hanging out or riding around on the scooter and coming up and talking to me on a Friday before our first qualifying run.”
Taking over for Force, Jack Beckman is confident he can perform well at the Nationals this year.
