In a historic homage to one of drag racing’s most renowned individuals, John Force has received the Lifetime Achievement Award, commemorating a storied career of top performance and profound grassroots contributions to the sport.
Unmatched dominance in professional drag racing.
From humble origins, surviving childhood polio and early challenges, John Force climbed to become the most successful Funny Car driver in NHRA history. During his five-decade career, he has won 16 NHRA Funny Car world titles, 157 event victories, and gained over 165 No. 1 qualifying places. One devotee, who revered him as the greatest of all time, recalled:
He didn’t have any sponsors on his car. So many memories. “The best drag racer ever.”
Force’s championship legacy includes induction into every major racing hall of fame, including the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame, the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, the Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame, and the Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame, among others. In racing circles around the world, his influence is unmistakable.
Champion of Safety and Innovation.
After Eric Medlen’s death and a near-fatal crash at almost 300 mph in 2007, Force worked with NHRA to improve safety by providing engine-monitor sensors, parachute modifications, and revised Funny Car brake systems. His efforts were acknowledged with the SAE Motorsports Engineering Award and the Spirit of Ford lifetime medal.
Mentorship and Legacy Building
Force is more than just a champion; he is a mentor. He developed not only his daughters, Ashley, Brittany, and Courtney, but also a team of young racers under the John Force Racing (JFR) name, which has won 23 NHRA world championships. His open-door philosophy and supportive leadership influenced the following generation, both behind and beyond the wheel.
Impact at the grassroots level and community outreach
Force’s dedication to grassroots racing extends far beyond the professional circuit. He frequently arranges charity events, trackside clinics, and public engagement sessions to connect fans and aspiring racers to the sport. According to one Redditor, his charisma and presence have “revived the sport in a way no one else will ever be able to”. John has made drag racing more accessible through JFR and his own efforts, ensuring its long-term success.
A legacy of courage and passion.
Despite catastrophic injuries, Force returned to racing with resilience and great drive, winning championships far into his 60s and cementing his reputation as a legend. During his recuperation from a severe traumatic brain injury, he recognized and addressed his daughters and wife by name, triggering loving messages.
Upon earning the Lifetime Achievement Award, John Force reflected:
“I didn’t race for money; I competed because I enjoyed it… We will grow this sport together.”
His exceptional career, safety advocacy, mentorship, and community service have transformed drag racing from a spectacle to a movement founded on safety, inclusivity, and unwavering devotion.
Congratulations to John Force. Your track record is unrivaled, and your contributions to the sport’s growth will inspire future generations of racers and fans.