John Force Racing Shares Heartfelt Team Update Amid Horrific California Wildfires

18 hours ago 1

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."

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... pic.twitter.com/fFLwFFUqdz

— John Force Racing (@JFR_Racing) January 13, 2025

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.

John Force Racing
Clint Bowyer (center), driver of the #15 PEAK BluDEF Toyota, poses for a photo with NHRA drivers John Force (L), Courteny Force (second right), and Robert Hight (R) before the start of the NASCAR Sprint... Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

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

DateEvent NameLocation
March 6-9NHRA GatornationalsGainesville Raceway
March 21-23NHRA Arizona NationalsFirebird Motorsports Park
March 27-30Lucas Oil NHRA WinternationalsIn-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip
April 11-13NHRA Four-Wide NationalsThe Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
April 25-27NHRA Four-Wide NationalszMax Dragway
May 15-18Gerber Collision and Glass Route 66 NHRA NationalsRoute 66 Raceway
May 30 - June 1NHRA New England NationalsNew England Dragway
June 6-8NHRA Thunder Valley NationalsBristol Dragway
June 20-22NHRA Virginia NationalsVirginia Motorsports Park
June 26-29Summit Racing Equipment NHRA NationalsSummit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park
July 18-20NHRA Northwest NationalsPacific Raceways
July 25-27DENSO NHRA Sonoma NationalsSonoma Raceway
August 14-17Lucas Oil NHRA NationalsBrainerd International Raceway
August 27 - Sept 1Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. NationalsLucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park
September 11-14NHRA Reading NationalsMaple Grove Raceway
September 19-21NHRA Carolina NationalszMax Dragway
September 26-28NHRA Midwest NationalsWorld Wide Technology Raceway
October 9-12Texas NHRA FallNationalsTexas Motorplex
October 24-25NHRA Showcase of SpeedSouth Georgia Motorsports Park
October 30 - Nov 2NHRA Nevada NationalsThe Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
November 13-16In-N-Out Burger NHRA FinalsIn-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip
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