John Force sent the drag racing world into a tizzy this week after publicly acknowledging that he’s putting together a succession plan at John Force Racing. The comments came during one of the more emotional interviews Force has given in recent years after winning the New England Nationals at Epping. Force beat teammate Austin Prock in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Funny Car final.
It was his 157th career win. Force ended his television winner’s interview by saying that Prock would replace him. He then handed the Wally to Prock, walked toward his tow vehicle and took his hat off.
A few minutes later, in an interview at the starting line, Force told the crowd his time was “pretty much up,” and he’s begun the process of what will come next. “I’m 100 years old; I’ve got to leave here sometime,” Force clarified at Bristol Dragway. “All I was saying is, ‘Here’s the future of John Force Racing.
This kid right here.’” Force’s bluntness and the undeniable reality that he is moving closer to the end of his career resulted in fans calling to inquire whether he would be in Bristol for the Super Grip Thunder Valley Nationals. Friday, Force was not only suited up and ready for another race weekend but sat alongside Prock for a media session where the 16-time champion continued to sing the young driver’s praises.
Prock had been one of the Force dragster drivers but moved into the Funny Car class this season when Robert Hight needed to step away f.
