Robert Hight with John Force and other team members brought sent a strong

NHRA Funny Car Champion John Force has faced a difficult time this season. A horrific crash at Virginia Motorsports Park on June 23, 2024, left Force with a traumatic brain injury, sidelining him for the remainder of the NHRA season. Yet, the champion’s quest for a 17th title remains alive through an unconventional yet fully legitimate avenue within NHRA rules.

Under NHRA regulations, a substitute driver can earn championship points on behalf of another for up to eight events. Seizing this opportunity, John Force Racing has enlisted Jack Beckman, the esteemed 2012 Funny Car champion, to pilot Force’s JFR PEAK Antifreeze Chevrolet Camaro SS for the closing eight races of the season. Beckman will make his return at the 42nd Lucas Oil Nationals in Brainerd, Minnesota, on August 16, 2024.

Despite the devastating nature of his injuries, Force’s early-season performances had placed him in a promising position, second in the standings before slipping to sixth following his accident. With only two regular-season races remaining before the points reset for the Countdown to the Championship, the introduction of Beckman could not be more timely. Beckman, whose last full season was in 2020, brings a wealth of experience and a previous championship pedigree to the table.

Robert Hight, JFR team president, praised Beckman’s comprehensive skill set as he steps into Force’s car.

“When you think about someone who can handle the driving, can deal with the media, take care of the sponsors and take care of the fans, there was only one obvious choice and that was Jack Beckman. Plus, he has history with Chris Cunningham [co-crew chief on the PEAK Chevy with Dan Hood and Tim Fabrisi] and has the respect of John’s family.”

Tags: NHRA

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