Force returns to the dragstrip, breaks silence in Las Vegas with encouraging news about 2025 sponsorship deals.
NHRA Funny Car driver and team owner John Force yanked the rug out from under public speculation Saturday during the final day of qualifying for the Ford Performance Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, breaking news that his John Force Racing team has secured sponsorship deals for 2025 and beyond.
Force, who’s resting and recuperating from a traumatic brain injury following his violent June 23 accident at Virginia Motorsports Park, had been completely mum throughout his recovery.
But he announced in a short interview with public-address announcer Alan Rinehart that PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant, the primary sponsor of his Chevy Camaro Funny Car, “just put me in a four-year program, so I’m excited about that. And Cornwell Tools signed up [Funny Car champion-in-waiting Austin] Prock. They bought [sponsorship for] that car. So I’m back in business.”
It’s unclear exactly what will happen with the PEAK renewal, for Force said, “I’m going to be spectating for awhile. That’s what I need to do to get well. I got hit in the head – not just once . . . a lot of times. And it all kind of built up.” He told Rinehart, “I’m not going anywhere. I’m a spectator, like you. So let’s have some fun today.”
Daughter Courtney Force Rahal, who along with NTT IndyCar Series standout Graham Rahal has helped form a bit of a protective shield for her father both Friday and again Saturday, was coy when trackside announcer Joe Castello asked if she had had the urge to jump back into Funny Car competition and substitute for her dad.
“I don’t want to comment on that,” she said. “You know what? It doesn’t matter – [2012 Funny Car champion Jack] Beckman is such a perfect fit. He’s been doing such a great job in my dad’s car that I think it’s worked out for the best.”
