John Force, born on May 4, 1949, in Bell Gardens, California, is a renowned American NHRA drag racer and team owner. Over his illustrious career, he has secured 16 NHRA and one AHRA Funny Car championships, making him one of the most dominant figures in drag racing history. As of June 13, 2021, Force has amassed 153 wins in 259 final rounds, becoming the first driver to achieve 100 wins.
Force’s team, John Force Racing (JFR), has been a significant presence in the NHRA circuit. His daughters—Ashley Force Hood, Brittany Force, and Courtney Force—have also pursued careers in drag racing, with Brittany currently driving for JFR.
In June 2024, Force experienced a traumatic brain injury following a fiery crash at Virginia Motorsports Park after his engine exploded at the end of a run. He was admitted to the ICU but is expected to recover.
Beyond racing, Force and his family were featured in the reality TV show “Driving Force,” which aired on A&E in 2006 and 2007, providing an inside look into their lives both on and off the track.
Force’s contributions to motorsports have been widely recognized. In 1996, he was honored as the “Driver of the Year” for all American motor racing, becoming the first drag racer to receive this accolade. He was also inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2008.
As of 2024, Force continues to be an active and influential figure in the drag racing community, both as a driver and team owner.