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“In a constantly changing battlefield, it’s adapt or die.” That’s the wisdom of the narrator of a Smithsonian Channel documentary about the B-52 aircraft.
And it’s what has kept NHRA icon John Force energized through the gut-ache of seeing longtime crew chief Austin Coil bolt from the sport, two longtime sponsors abandon him in the same year and two of his daughters step into his universe and then step away. It’s what propelled him to make changes for his PEAK Chevrolet Camaro team – changes that led him to his milestone 150th victory Sunday at Pacific Raceways, near Seattle.
Force missed the chance on Father’s Day at Tennessee’s Bristol Dragway from the top qualifying spot. He wasn’t going to let this one slip away – not against longtime rival Ron Capps, of Don Schumacher Racing, not on a track where the outrageous “64 Funny Cars” extravaganza made an indelible impression on him and fueled his romance with drag racing.
He didn’t miss out this time. He eliminated Jim Campbell first, then knocked aside points leader and teammate Robert Hight, and Jack Beckman, who just had defeated No. 1 qualifier Bob Tasca III. Against Capps, Force covered the 1,000-foot course in 3.971 seconds at 320.58 mph, watched rookie protégé Austin Prock claim his first NHRA and Top Fuel victory moments later, then climbed the fence and romped in the grandstands with the fans.
He and Prock shared the winners circle with Pro Stock’s Matt Hartford, who spoiled Greg Anderson’s chance to become the first pro racer in any class to sweep the Western Swing twice.
Force, who hadn’t won since mid-July 2018, ensured he would win at least one race a season again. Since he earned his first victory June 28, 1987, Force has won at least one event each season except 2009. And he indicated he’s hoping to keep doing that for several more years.
Applause from the fans is what drives him. “Walking and praying and hoping to make it and to feel that moment again just for a moment, and to hear that cheer of the crowd, you know, you’d think I’d be over it but I’m not. I still love it,” he said.
“My people, the team, really makes it happen and I’m just along for the ride. I have to give them credit. Those kids love me. When I really fail, they’re all over me trying to protect me. That’s what you need, that camaraderie, and that’s what I have.”
After Capps slapped the green winner’s hat atop Force’s head at the top end of the racetrack, Force said, “I surround myself with the best people – and the best sponsors. What I’ve done is taken their money and [hired] the best people. There are a lot of guys who have got me this win. To all the guys who were part of 150, you’re all a part of my life. Austin Coil, I love you. You stood by me. You called me every week and said I was screwed up but I could still drive. God bless you and [also-retired colleague] Bernie Fedderly.”
Then, relieved to have the “When’s he going to get No. 150” talk quieted, Force said with a wide smile, “I’m over this shit.”
“It’s just stress. And they hang the ‘150’ on you,” he added. “I’ve got the monkey on my back. It makes you nuts,” When he won his semifinal match-up Sunday, an announcer reminded him he had one more shot at a 150th triumph. “Well, just keep telling me that – that really helps,” Force jabbed. “Sooner or later it’s going to happen, if I don’t have a heart attack first.”
In the past, he said, “we just raced and did our thing and headed to the bar. It was the good old days. Now it’s like, ‘You got this!’ OK, great. What do I do about it? I just go out and do the best I can. And that’s all I can do.’
“As long as we get a win for the sponsors . . . They spend a lot of money. And we’re in a tough economy. I’ve got to prove I’m still in the game. I’m in the game and I’m feeling good,” Force said.
He might have thought this moment never would come. It came exactly 700 races after his career first, 32 years ago. But he was starting to think, “Either I’ve slowed down or they’ve all got better. These kids really amaze me, watching ‘em out there and the things they say and do.
“It’s all changing,” he said, “and I’ve got to adapt to it quicker and I’m doing that and having fun doing it. My four cars are coming around now, and I’m coming around.”
John Force is now back in the championship conversation with two races remaining before the Countdown fields are set for the six-race playoffs that end in November at Pomona, Calif.