John Force NHRA Replacement Confirmed As Funny Car Champion Continues Recovery

2012 Funny Car Champion Jack Beckman has been announced as the replacement driver for the legendary John Force. Beckman will take the wheel of the Peak Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SS for the remainder of the 2024 season. This decision comes in the wake of Force’s traumatic brain injury (TBI) from a horrific crash this past June, necessitating his withdrawal from competition.

Beckman will debut his return in the Peak Camaro during the 47th annual Cornwell Tools “Night Under Fire” at Summit Motorsports Park in an upcoming non-championship event. His participation won’t be in isolation, as he’ll be joined by Force’s daughter Brittany in the Cornwell Tools Chevrolet dragster.

The initiative driving Beckman’s return is aptly named “Joint Task Force – Mission Championship”. Robert Hight, President of John Force Racing, commented in the report from NHRA:

“When you think about someone who can handle the driving, can deal with the media, take care of the sponsors and take care of the fans, there was only one obvious choice, and that was Jack Beckman. Plus, he has history with Chris Cunningham [co-crew chief on the Peak Chevy with Dan Hood and Tim Fabrisi] and has the respect of John’s family.”

NHRA rules allow a substitute driver to accumulate points for an original team member across a maximum of eight events, a vital regulation that ensures Force’s standings while recovering. Beckman’s season will pick up speed at the 42nd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in Brainerd on August 16, where he’ll have a chance to garner points on Force’s behalf, maintaining the team’s championship contention.

Reflecting on his unexpected return to professional racing after a hiatus since 2020, Beckman explained in the same report from NHRA:

“It’s been nearly four years since I stood on the throttle, and I thought that feeling was something I’d never experience again. Though the circumstances that brought me back are regrettable, the opportunity presented to me is beyond my ability to find words. I’m not replacing John … nobody could ever do that. John is one of a kind, and his impact on this sport, and my life, cannot be overemphasized. I know how fortunate I am to have been picked to fill in for John, and I should be easy to spot in the pits. I’ll be the guy who can’t stop smiling.”

Brian Bohlander, marketing director at Old World Industries, also expressed confidence in Beckman’s role, reflecting both on the track and off.

“We’re happy to have the Peak team back on track, and Jack is the right person for this job until John can return. It’s great for the fans and our customers as Jack is an automotive enthusiast and DIYer who will fit right in with our program on and off the track.”