Breaking ; John Force Racing Update Increases Uncertainty About President Robert Hight’s Racing Return sending a three word message to fans.

John Force Racing’s update on the status of Robert Hight, a three-time NHRA Funny Car champion and president of the team, has only heightened the uncertainty surrounding his return to the racing circuit.

Hight, who has been on medical leave since January, has prioritized his health over professional obligations. His absence from the NHRA events over the past year, coupled with recent announcements, raises questions about the future of both his career and John Force Racing’s direction.

Hight, who has served as the president of John Force Racing since January 2011, has remained a vital figure within the organization.

On June 7, during a media interaction in Bristol, Tennessee, team owner John Force provided an update on Hight’s situation. He clarified that Hight is not hospitalized, but he prefers to stay away from the racetracks and media inquiries. In Force’s words, as quoted by Drag Illustrated:

No, Robert’s good. What’s he going through right now, the process is continually. He’s not in the hospital. He’s at home. He just doesn’t want to come to the races. He don’t want to answer all the questions.”

 

Adding to the uncertainty, it was disclosed at the PRI Show in Indianapolis that Hight will not be competing in a Funny Car in 2025. This decision accentuates the complexities facing John Force Racing, as they adapt to changes in their team.

Robert Hight’s impressive career boasts 65 victories, 102 final appearances, and 84 number one qualifications, making him a top performer in NHRA history. Hight’s legacy includes NHRA championships in 2009, 2017, and 2019. He has accumulated 626 round-wins, earning him the third-highest rank in Funny Car history. Despite his impressive achievements, Hight remains steadfast in his decision to focus on his health. As he said in a statement in January:

 

“I have to put my health first. Once this is resolved, I’ll be back.”

 

In the interim, Austin Prock, has transitioned to Hight’s racing role. Prock’s entry into the Funny Car category is backed by a new three-year sponsorship deal with Cornwell Tools. Interestingly, Hight personally recommended Prock as his replacement.