Drag racing Hall of Famer John Force may compete for another Funny Car title, despite the fact that he will miss the remainder of the season while recovering from a traumatic brain injury sustained in an incident in Virginia last month.
John Force Racing president Robert Hight revealed this week that former Funny Car champion Jack Beckman will race for Force, the 16-time Funny Car champion, for the remainder of the season.
The NHRA rules allow teams to substitute a driver who can earn points for the original driver for up to eight events.
Force was second in points to teammate Austin Prock when he was hurt in Virginia on June 23 after his engine exploded and he collided with the walls. Force has not raced since and is currently sixth in the standings, with Prock leading.
Force spent roughly two weeks in a Virginia hospital before being transferred to a facility in Arizona. Force’s family has stated that he is undergoing outpatient care at his home in California.
Beckman’s first points race for Force will take place on August 16 at the Lucas Oil Nationals in Brainerd, Minnesota.
Beckman, according to Hight, ticks all the boxes as a capable replacement for the ailing 75-year-old Force.
Beckman, 58, last competed in the NHRA four years ago and is eager to assist Force win another title.”I understand how privileged I am to have been chosen to fill in for John, and I should be simple to find in the pits. Beckman stated, “I’ll be the guy who can’t stop smiling.”
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