Legendary drag racing team, John Force Racing, has shared a heartfelt update as California battles devastating wildfires.
The team, led by 16-time NHRA champion John Force, announced that their Yorba Linda facilities and employees remain unharmed by the fires but acknowledged the broader impact on the surrounding community.
John Force Racing's statement, released via social media, read:
"While our John Force Racing Yorba Linda, California location and our employees' residences are currently safe from the wildfires, the effects of the fires are far and wide in our community. Our continued thoughts and prayers are with all of the residents affected, as well as the brave workforces working to fight these fires."
California's wildfires have been catastrophic for countless communities, with severe repercussions including displaced families and exhausted emergency services. At the time of writing, the death toll has sadly now risen to 24.
Known for his rugged determination on the track, Force has had his share of struggles recently, mainly the severe crash he suffered in 2024.
At the Virginia Nationals, his engine exploded while racing at around 300 mph, resulting in significant injuries, including a traumatic brain injury.
Despite these challenges, Force made his first appearance back at the NHRA scene in Las Vegas after a period of time in the ICU and then with ongoing rehabilitation.
Giving an update on his driving career, Force explained, as previously reported by Newsweek Sports:
"I'm still going to therapy every week and working as hard as I can to get back out there with the sponsors and the fans in a sport I love and I miss.
"I've still got a lot of things I want to do, so I don't want anybody thinking they've seen the last of John Force. We'll have a lot more to talk about after the holidays."
Jack Beckman is stepping in for Force for the time being. Commenting on the upcoming season, he explained:
"I am thrilled to continue a partnership with PEAK and BlueDEF and look forward to returning to JFR in 2025.
"As a car enthusiast, I believe in using the best products available for both personal and professional applications.
"PEAK and BlueDEF products are trusted for our support vehicles and haulers, ensuring reliability and performance."
Full 2025 NHRA Season
Date | Event Name | Location |
March 6-9 | NHRA Gatornationals | Gainesville Raceway |
March 21-23 | NHRA Arizona Nationals | Firebird Motorsports Park |
March 27-30 | Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals | In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip |
April 11-13 | NHRA Four-Wide Nationals | The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway |
April 25-27 | NHRA Four-Wide Nationals | zMax Dragway |
May 15-18 | Gerber Collision and Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals | Route 66 Raceway |
May 30 - June 1 | NHRA New England Nationals | New England Dragway |
June 6-8 | NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals | Bristol Dragway |
June 20-22 | NHRA Virginia Nationals | Virginia Motorsports Park |
June 26-29 | Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals | Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park |
July 18-20 | NHRA Northwest Nationals | Pacific Raceways |
July 25-27 | DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals | Sonoma Raceway |
August 14-17 | Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals | Brainerd International Raceway |
August 27 - Sept 1 | Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals | Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park |
September 11-14 | NHRA Reading Nationals | Maple Grove Raceway |
September 19-21 | NHRA Carolina Nationals | zMax Dragway |
September 26-28 | NHRA Midwest Nationals | World Wide Technology Raceway |
October 9-12 | Texas NHRA FallNationals | Texas Motorplex |
October 24-25 | NHRA Showcase of Speed | South Georgia Motorsports Park |
October 30 - Nov 2 | NHRA Nevada Nationals | The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway |
November 13-16 | In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals | In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip |