[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]FORCE GOES TO TOP OF THE PERFORMANCE LIST AT PHOENIX[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 14-Time Champ Makes Dramatic Return to Cockpit of Castrol GTX Ford Mustang[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]CHANDLER, Ariz. For John Force, drag racings most prolific winner, and four months of intensive rehabilitation following the most serious crash of his pro career culminated Monday in an unexpected and spectacular 4.782 second, 327.51 mile per hour sprint down a resurfaced quarter mile at Firebird Raceway.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]It was the quickest run recorded during a National Time Trials test session extended by Sundays rain and it all but ended speculation about Forces ability to rally from injuries that included a compound fracture of the left ankle, broken bones in both hands, broken toes and ligament and tendon damage.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]With many his peers looking on, the 58-year-old icon fired the engine on a race car on which daughter Ashleys Castrol GTX Ford Mustang body had been mounted and, on his first effort since last Sept. 23, successfully executed a burnout and launch before shutting off at half track.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]That done, the 125-time tour winner came back hours later and laid down the aforementioned 4.782 that moved him to the top of the performance list ahead of veteran Ron Capps, whose 4.786 in the NAPA Dodge had been the previous best.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Walking with a noticeable limp, Force passed the first phase of his comeback test on Saturday when he was able to get in and out of the cockpit and exit through the roof hatch, thereby satisfying NHRA safety concerns.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]I had to get in my firesuit and do the drill for them, Force said, but I knew it wasnt going to be a problem because I already had done it (climbed in an out) at the shop. Like I said, it aint pretty, but I can do it.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]For Force, it was important that he was the first member of his team to take one of the new generation, Murf McKinney-built chassis down the track. He was followed by Robert Hight and Mike Neff. Daughter Ashley will make her first runs on Tuesday.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Ive been down the road more than anybody out here, he said. If there was a problem, I wanted to be the one to deal with it before I sent Robert, Ashley and Mike Neff out there.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]We didnt know what we had (with the new car), Force said. We thought it would be good, but we didnt know. We still have a lot of work to do but that (4.78) was a good boost for this team. Thatll give em motivation. Everybodys worked so hard since the end of the season and to run down through there like that was something.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Force, who missed the last three races of the season and finished seventh in points, his worst showing since 1984, will return to competition Feb. 7-10 at the 48th annual CARQUEST Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona (Calif.). [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]I wouldnt be here without the doctors in Dallas (at Baylor University Medical Center) who put me back together and without Robert Ortmayer, my physical therapist in California, whos kept me motivated. He understood why I needed to get back in the car and what I had to do to make it happen.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Neither of the JFR Mustangs made it to the starting line during the first two days of testing because of mechanical issues. They were denied again Sunday by rain.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Hight, No. 2 in the world the last two seasons, and rookie Neff, both aborted their first attempts Monday at half track, as planned. Theyll try to follow Forces lead on Tuesday.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Right now, it looks like well try to test here through Wednesday, Force said. We need to make some laps. Were behind right now but were scrambling to catch up.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]After the death of team driver Eric Medlen in a testing accident last March and after his own crash in September, Force scrapped eight cars and started over with a controversial new design that hadnt been tested competitively before Monday.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Thats the first lap on these cars, Force said. Thats a credit to Austin Coil, Bernie Fedderly, John Medlen, Ford and Murf McKinney to get these cars done in three months was unbelievable.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]-www.johnforceracing.com-[/FONT]
John Force...thats about all that needs to be said...AWESOME! He is one of the best drivers..ever...and produces hot offspring...haahaa
I doubt that anyone here is very surprised, but I, for one, am really pleased to see him go fast again so soon.
On the NHRA web site earlier this week it said he put it in the sand pit on that run and got out grining from ear to ear! Superman's back
I was there, at The Texas Motorplex when he had the accident. Needless to say, the horrific crash left you breathless. It`s amazing that he even lived through it and now this. He is a living legend for sure.
What do you guys think of the "Ford Boss 500" engine that Mike Neff will be driving for Force this year? Another contender maybe?
They practiced all week at Firebird. I can hear them run from Tempe. You can tell if they got a full run in or not! They are testing this weekend at the Strip in LV again. Pro Stock Superbowl is run there also.
Mercy talk about strong will. Some people would never recover from that to have a normal life much less be back behind the wheel of one of those beasts. John Force I salute you.
Bout 12 years ago on a Saturday, John drove up to the 7-11 in a loaner Lumina in Topeka and got himself a slushy . We visited with him a few minutes about his qualifying and stuff and my buddy wished him luck and I stated, there's no luck to it is there? He said "no, it's all stupidity." Cool guy.
John Force is "The Man". One of my favorite characters. Nobody like him. He is amazing and he has just proved why I feel that way! Thanks BOBBY FORD
I hope that comment wasn't meant the way it sounded? Cos it makes you sound like a dick... Eric's death was a tragic loss to the team and the racing community. Welcome back Champ
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