BRISTOL, Tenn. — The sun had already dipped below the horizon when the thundering sounds of 11,000-horsepower Funny Cars erupted into the night on Friday at Bristol Dragway,
The professional NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series category was midway through its first round of eliminations to make up last weekend’s rained out New England Nationals and two new cars were busy staging in the lanes.
Just to the right of the drag strip, the unassuming glow of a moped headlight cut through the darkness as it traveled toward the cluster of teams in the staging area. It was piloted by John Force, who rolled off the track after defeating Tim Wilkerson in their elimination matchup a few minutes prior.
The 16-time Funny Car champion gripped the scooter handlebars with one hand, using the other to wave his white PEAK Performance ball cap at the enthused crowd as he motored past.
Eventually, Force arrived at his destination, which was approximately 100 feet behind the burnout area at the base of the Bristol Dragway tower. He set his feet down on the asphalt and crossed his arms over his fire suit to watch his competitors fire off into the darkness.
While he had a clear line of vision down the quarter-mile, there was one iconic element of the Thunder Valley scene that the 74-year-old Force was missing.
Above the grandstands on the left side of the drag strip, the names of 21 renowned drag racers adorn the “Legends of Thunder Valley” portion of the structure, including Don Prudhomme, Don Garlits and Wally Parks.
Force’s name is among them.
It’s worth noting that, of the 21 drivers, there is only one (other than Force) who still actively races — and that’s 53-year-old, eight-time Top Fuel champion Tony Schumacher, who is being inducted as a Legend of Thunder Valley this year.
However, Force is more than 20 years senior to Schumacher in both age and NHRA starts. The 155-time national event winner — who has collected four Wallys at Bristol — is the oldest competitor across all professional categories.
But other than his gray hair and weathered eyes, it wouldn’t seem like Force is nearing any kind of finish line to his 46-year career in the Funny Car ranks. His place as one of the greats in NHRA history is undoubtedly secure, but it appears Force isn’t ready to let it rest quite yet.
He’s still enjoying life on the road — quite literally. Force rode to Bristol in the team hauler.
“I was going to fly with Brittany (Force), but all they had was first-class tickets. At $1,500, not a chance. I don’t fly first class,” Force said. “So I got in the 18-wheeler with the guys and we took off.”
He said the trek with his crew helped “get me back to why I came,” and reminded him of his persistent passion for what he does on the weekends. Upon arrival in Tennessee and sharing his larger-than-life personality with the fans, Force was more certain than ever he is still meant to be on the drag strip.
“As long as they’re cheering, I’ll be here. When they quit liking me, it’s time for me to go home,” Force said. He then joked, “Could be getting close, they’ve heard all my stories.”
The multi-time champion has recorded three semifinal finishes, one quarterfinal result and two first-round losses in his PEAK/BlueDEF Chevrolet Camaro this season.