INDUSTRIAL BROWNSBURG, IN Although he will not be driving for the remainder of the season as he recovers from a traumatic brain injury sustained in an incident in Virginia last month, drag racing legend John Force might be a contender for another Funny Car championship.
Jack Beckman, a 16-time Funny Car champion, will drive for Force for the remainder of the season.
When Force’s engine blew on June 23 in Virginia and he collided with the walls, he was second in points behind teammate Austin Prock. Since then, Force has not competed and is currently ranked sixth, behind Prock, who remains first.
Force was transferred to a facility in Arizona after spending almost two weeks in a hospital in Virginia. According to Force’s family, he is currently undergoing outpatient care at his California home.
On August 16, Beckman will compete in his first points race for Force at the Lucas Oil Nationals in Brainerd, Minnesota.
The 75-year-old Force is well-suited for the 58-year-old Beckman, who last competed in NHRA racing four years ago, according to John Force Racing CEO Robert Hight.
