25 Reasons Drag Racing Fans Should Be Excited: Reason #1 – John Force Is Still in the Game
In a sport where adrenaline, speed, and legacy collide at every turn, few names command the same reverence as John Force. And for drag racing enthusiasts, the continued presence of the 16-time NHRA Funny Car champion is more than just nostalgia—it’s reason number one to get truly excited about the current and future state of the sport.
At 75 years old, John Force remains not only a competitor but also a symbol of what makes drag racing so electric. His return to the track this season isn’t just a comeback—it’s a statement. In a world where retirement comes early for most athletes, Force is defying the odds, the expectations, and, quite frankly, the laws of physics.
“He’s not slowing down, he’s just shifting gears,” said long-time crew chief Danny Hood. “He brings something to the starting line no one else can match—experience, charisma, and a relentless hunger to win.”
That hunger has kept Force Racing at the forefront of NHRA competition. With a team that includes his daughter Brittany Force—an NHRA Top Fuel champion in her own right—and a legacy that stretches across generations, the Force family is practically racing royalty. But it’s John himself who continues to draw in crowds, week after week.
Whether it’s his unpredictable interviews, his passionate rants about safety, or the sheer thunder of his 330 mph Funny Car, Force remains a walking, talking embodiment of everything wild and wonderful about drag racing. He’s the type of figure you don’t just watch—you remember.
“He’s like the Elvis of drag racing,” said one fan at the Gatornationals earlier this year. “You don’t go to see a race without checking if John’s on the card. He’s part of the reason we still show up.”
In a time when sports are searching for legends to hold onto, drag racing has one who never left. And that’s why, when compiling any list of reasons to get hyped about this high-octane world, it’s impossible not to start with John Force.
Beyond his own racing, Force has played a major role in growing the sport. He’s mentored young drivers, invested in safer car technology, and remained a magnetic figure in sponsorship and media outreach. His presence in the pit area brings an energy that few others can match.
As NHRA enters another summer of speed, fans have much to look forward to: record-breaking runs, emerging stars, and close championship battles. But there’s no bigger headline than this—John Force is still here, still fighting, and still the heartbeat of drag racing.
If you’re wondering why drag racing continues to thrive amid shifting motorsports trends, look no further than the man in the fire suit with a grin that says, “Let’s go one more round.”
Because as long as John Force is in the game, the game is worth watching.
