I ran across this story some years ago and enjoyed it so much that I saved a copy. There are a lot of aspects to it that I think the average HAMBer can relate to. On a personal level, I've been attending NHRA events for over 30 years and crossed paths with John Force many times. He always had time for a handshake, an autograph for a kid, a quick laugh and on more than one occasion, shared a few cold ones. Love him or hate him one thing is certain; he came from nothing, paid his dues, got nothing handed to him, and built an empire along the way -all the while doing something that he loved ..drag racing. This thread isn't about the NHRA or the effects of Big Business on the sport today, there are plenty of other forums for that......this one is about Christmas.
The only time I ever met Force, I thought he was a prick. For all I know, maybe he is. But, I'd be lying if I said that story didn't make me cry a little. A man humble enough to remember his roots deserves RESPECT, like him or not.
that's exactly why john is the man - always will be - check out how he helped out al hoffman while al was fussing & cussing about him in the race media
That story is a true classic. John is a pretty decent guy who is shot out of a cannon most of the time. If he was telling that story it would be about an hour long minimum.
Thank you so much for posting this story. It was great. As was said before with john you either love him or hate him but i have met him a few times and i do love him. Gasser Girl
John is a businessman, in a tough business, with a heart of gold, and that in itself, is tough. He's very wealthy, and he's just a regular guy. Thanks for a great story. Dave
I have always liked him, his cockiness and swagger. hes cool in my book, but then again, who am I? Thanks for sharing the story.
What an awesome story! I've met him a couple times, and he always has a larger than life way about him. I had no idea though that he came from such humble beginnings. Anyone who isn't touched by that story doesn't have a beating heart in thier body. Say what you will about the man. All I know is that while nobody is perfect, John Force has a good heart.
Precious story to share with us... Thanks for doing so... Merry Christmas to ALL!... And yes, I'm well aware of the fact that the wishing of a "Merry Christmas" to others has become somewhat "politically incorrect" within much of our present-day culture (I know that it can even get you in trouble), I'm not gonna mince my words here, I have a stellar reputation for truly "telling it like it is", so therefore, I'm not going to "pretend" that wishing folks a "Merry Christmas" isn't a risky thing to do these days, God forbid if you "insult" someone by doing so, and then get slapped with a huge monetary law suit, but h*ck, I'll take my chances here on the H.A.M.B., because I believe in my heart of hearts that most people reading this particular board WILL NOT be offended by me wishing them a "Merry Christmas"... And lets keep a thought and prayer in our hearts for those who might be having a difficult time during this holiday season, we should do everything in our power to be compassionate for those who are less fortunate... Merry Christmas and Best of New Years wishes to the entire H.A.M.B. family... Diana "The Doc"
Thanks for the great post. It is aways nice to see the soft side of a man that is always portrayed as a hard-nosed individual. The one time I got close enough to Mr. Force to be in contact with him was to get some Castrol hats signed for a charity auction. When he saw a young fan in a wheelchair to the side of the huge crowd that always surrounds his pit he pushed thru the sea of bodies to get down on a knee to be close to the boy. All present could see the emotion in Big John as the mother explained the childs condition to him. With that John scooped the youngster out of his chair and carried him around his traveling compound showing him everything & even took him into his motorhome. When they emerged the boy was covered with everything John could give him. Hat, jacket, a pair of his personal driving gloves, etc. The crowd erupted into a round of applause that would have made Elvis happy. Anyway Thanks again for the story of Big John's Christmas & reminding us all what it's about. Merry Christmas HAMB family. Al
Thanks for posting..John makes himself and the compound available for the shows...makes an effort to come out and mingle....truly a heart of gold! yeah maybe a little rough around the edges..but hey..aren't we all?
I live in Eureka, was born here as was my father and my daughters. I know Hupa and Redwood Valley. I've met John a few times at the racetrack. I've aways thought that he took extra time for the fans. I could mention a few famous pricks from the racetrack but I wont. In watching John I've felt a kindred spirt as there is something good about the nature of a Humboldt Homeboy. This part of California is truly a piece of God's Country. Come on out and up. It's a good thing I asked Santa for a lump of coal.
John's the man....Remember the episode of his reality show where he took his spoiled brats to the trailer park he was brought up in? He never forgot where he came from.
The Jalopy Journal
