Monday, November 4, 2013



Sweet 16 for John Force

By Shane Beck 
Salt Lake City, UT - John Force didn't need a paddle to spank the field at the Las Vegas Strip - just a fast race car. Chasing his 16th championship, Force knew it was possible to clinch the title in Las Vegas. His team knew it as well, especially crew chief Jimmy Prock who served up what the doctor ordered. 

Earlier this season things were just not right at John Force Racing, driver Robert Height was struggling to make it in the Countdown to the Championship and John Force felt a change was in store. He decided to move his tuner Mike Neff to Robert Heights team and Jimmy Prock to his team. Robert Height was able to squeak into the Countdown to the Championship and Force continued running well.

John Force received news midway through the season that long time sponsors Ford and Castrol would be leaving at the end of the 2014 season. Castrol has been with John Force since the beginning and Ford has also been with John Force for a very long time. Frustrated, wondering where he would find support in the future, his wife Lori told him that that one thing is certain, winning takes care of everything! This is when John realized she was absolutely right, he focused 100% of himself to winning his 16th Championship. 

With John Force at 64 years of age, one might wonder how long he can continue racing? Not only racing but how long can he continue to win? John Force claims he will continue as long as the good lord will allow but knows that the future of John Force Racing are his girls. 

John Force is living the dream, however he has had to work extremely hard for what he has built over the years. I would say he is a master at marketing, knowing how to not only get a sponsor to support him but defiantly knows how to keep a sponsor happy. He knows the power of the media, he understands who helps him and does everything in his power to give back to his sponsors and his fans. 

John Force will defend his championship in 2014, he will attempt to break "Sweet 16" and fight for his 17th Championship. 

Contact Shane Beck at mshanebeck@gmail.com and follow on Twitter @racingfanradio