THE END OF AN ERA: NHRA Legend Gives Emotional Tribute To John Force Family At US Nationals.
Few names resonate as profoundly in motorsports as John Force. This year, the U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, sponsored by Toyota, hold a bittersweet note as it coincides with Force’s sad absence. The event, a prelude to the Countdown, is without Force due to a traumatic brain injury he sustained in a near-fatal accident near Richmond, Virginia.
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.
