John Force’s journey to recovery is centered at a specialized facility in Arizona, known for its expertise in treating traumatic brain injuries. The crash that led to Force’s injuries occurred on June 23 in Richmond when his car exploded, sending him into the barriers.
In response to Force’s absence, Robert Hight, President of John Force Racing and a celebrated three-time NHRA Funny Car champion, has been pivotal in orchestrating the integration of Force’s car back into competition. Hight, along with partners Brian Bohlander from Peak and Jim Campbell from Chevrolet, is navigating the complex logistics of ensuring that the Peak Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SS makes its return to the tracks. Hight commented, as reported by the NHRA:
After conversations with John’s team and with our partners, especially Brian Bohlander at Peak and Jim Campbell at Chevrolet, and with John’s input and approval, we have begun taking the steps necessary to get the Peak Chevy back on the racetrack.”
The strategy to reintroduce Force’s car includes targeting the 47th annual Cornwell Tools Night Under Fire at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk. Here, the car is expected to rejoin the competition against top-tier Funny Car rivals such as Ron Capps, Cruz Pedregon, and Dale Creasy Jr.
The process of selecting a replacement driver is underway, with an announcement expected shortly after the NHRA Sonoma Nationals, taking place from July 26-28. Hight noted the selection challenges, stating:
“We hope to tie up all the loose ends and introduce a driver sometime right after Sonoma [NHRA Sonoma Nationals, July 26-28]. There’s a good pool of driving talent out there, but obviously, we need to find the right fit for both the team and our sponsors.”
Hight himself, due to health reasons, has temporarily handed over his racing responsibilities to Austin Prock, who is currently leading the points in the Cornwell Tools Camaro. Prock aims to make history by winning titles in both Top Fuel and Funny Car categories at the Northwest Nationals, a feat achieved by only two other drivers before him.
