Wow ! What a Great Christmas Story I live down the street form John and met him a few times once, at home depot and once at the grocery store even at a non auto event he is a down to earth guy with a big heart
Every parent that spoils their kids should read that story. May all good things come to JF and family.
Thanks for the story,and thanks to John for sharing it. We have a picture of John and my Grandson sharing chicken nuggets at the track. Yeah he has a big heart. I wouldn't cross the street to see a celeberty, but I would for John, because he knows, but for the grace of God go I. Merry Christmas and peace to all.
Did anyone ever watch the reality show Driving Force? My wife and I used to love watching that. That is where I found out that John grew up as poor as he did, he talked about it alot! He is a little nutty but he seems like a great guy. I really enjoyed reading that story.
My little Force story. I have only have missed the Seattle NHRA national event two times since the mid 80s, so I have seen him in action aplenty. Cant remember the year but Force was out/done for the day, a lot of racers drag up and leave when they get beat at Seattle so they can get to Sonoma the next weekend. So anyway Force is done, he sticks around, we are sitting in the stands near one of the platforms overlooking the track that was built for handicapped race fans, here comes Force on a scooter with a BOATLOAD of Castrol hats, starts autographing hats and handing them out to the folks on that platform. Good P.R., you bet! But still pretty cool. I have heard this logging truck story before, but its always nice to hear it again, makes a guy thankful. Merry Christmas To All, John
Yup that story made this old guy well up a bit. I can remember my dad finding an old bike taking it apart painting it etc fix the flats and gave it to me. He didn't have enough coin either in those days. That bike meant the world to me
A bunch of friends and I were hanging out in the Englishtown parking lot one year, hours after the race had ended. This beater rental car pulls in and drops an older woman off at her car, one of the few still parked there. We look over and realize it's Force driving...he was making sure this woman got to her car and on her way safely. Anyway we start razzing him and he drives over to where we're standing, rolls down the window and says "you guys got any beer left ?" "Sure!" we say, so he hops out of the car and starts hanging out with us like we been friends forever. We couldn't get rid of him - it almost seemed he was relieved to get away from all the responsibility and pressure and just be one of the guys for a while. We all had a great time, laughing and carrying on.....those of us that were there will never forget it.... Merry Christmas all !!!
2 years ago @ the OReilly nats in Ennis Tx. I was at Mcd's getting breakfast before the drags. Who was in the to go lane but JF picking up his breakfast himself. He is the real deal no put on! GW
good story he seemslike a regular guy , some one i could hang out with and drink cheap beer with, marry christmas to all, Brendog
John is one of the most down to earth people, in a sport with so much pressure and demands. He never forgets where he came from.
J.F. Is the man for sure. What a great story about him. Makes one feel good this time of year. Merry Christmas to John and his family and to all you HAMBers. Normal Norman
thats what its about, from someone who grew up as poor white trash, I know that family, and memories is all you have when your laying in a box. thanks for sharing, and reminding me just what Christmas is about!!
Great story! I remember going to the Autolite Nats at Sears Point one year. They had a section set aside for the disabled to watch the racing. During a break in the action, John Force came up to that section and talked to each person in that section. He didn't have to do it, but he did. That's why I like John Force!
Got you by 8 years being 65 and you haven't got a monopoly on the tears. I've never met John Force but have been a fan forever. just something about someone that has the much energy and comp***ion for life and people. Frank
over the years ive always seem to have a knack for bumping into celebritys in odd places wheter its gene weindfield at a swap meet, sandra bullock at a black jack table in las vegas, or even billy gibbons at a wal-mart in a small texas town. Ive bumped into John Force a couple of timesand been able to have a couple good conversations with the man, even thou both conversations were short you get him out of his element and away from the m***es and hes a incredible guy to talk to. that was a great story and I even made my kids read it, thanks for sharing
No matter how much money or at***ude people have there is usally more to the story. Most people have something very special way down deep. I read this forum most every day. I rarely have a lot to say but I learn a lot from the discussion here. Some people are really negative some are really positive. Life is like that. Enjoy what you have. Someone usually has it tougher. Our society has to get back to taking care of ones self. Enjoy each day! Joe
Beautiful story. CreamcycleMark, Just had to make me cry, didn't ya, little brother. Love you. Merry Christmas. BroDon
We live in the most abundant times, times where availability is for the most part not an issue, however, our society is the most angry, where values are dwindling and civil-disobedience runs rampant. Reading this Christmas story reminds me of how times were back then, people did not have much but you had family, neighbors that cared, and you treasured the most simple things. I know that logging truck means everything to John Force. My fondest memory was my Dad setting up the Lionel trains at Christmas, we still have them although the kids do not treasure them as I do. I guess one day they will dig out the antique X-Box 360 and tell that story to their family. Thanks for posting the JF story, I have more respect for him after reading it. Merry Christmas to all.
That means a lot. Brought back some memories from my own childhood. Thanks for posting it. John is quite the character.
"Driving Force" Watched it alot. Good show. Like everyone says, John's the man. Have seen him race at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, OH many times. Always puts on a good show, and finally, after nearly dying of Nitro Poisoning, in his pit, my son & I got his autograph. Sweet
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