JFR New England Ownership!

JFR New England Ownership!
Jun 08, 2024 // NHRA Event FC Results // editor

John Force finished off an impressive double-up weekend in front of another sellout crowd at New England Dragway, as the world famous 16X Funny Car world champion outran teammate Austin Prock in the final round of the 11th annual NHRA New England Nationals.

In an all-John Force Racing Funny Car final round, Force went 4.081-seconds at 319.29 mph in his 11,000-horsepower PEAK Chevrolet Camaro SS in the finals to slip past Prock’s 4.096 at 316.38. It gave the legendary driver his second victory of the season, third at New England Dragway and 157th in his career.

Drag Racing legend John Force stood tall – winning in fuel FC X2 during the NHRA’s New England Nationals.

He reached the finals by defeating Buddy Hull, Blake Alexander and J.R. Todd, holding off Prock in a thrilling side-by-side duel. Force also won the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge on Saturday, with Sunday’s double-up victory pushing him to second in points in what has truly been a remarkable season for the longtime star.

“I love the crowds. For three days they packed them in. I came here 40-something years ago and this place is special,” Force said. “We had a good race car and what keeps me alive is driving this hotrod and all these fans.

“I’m down right now because don’t like beating my teammate in the final. He is the future. I love that kid. He’s going to be here for a long time and Robert [Hight] will be coming back. I’m not being dramatic, but my time is up. It was up when I was 65. Hell, it was up when I turned 50. The world is changing for me and I’ve got to do some real thinking. I’m not quitting today. I’m going to Bristol, but I just know I’m not what I used to be.”

Austin Prock qualified #1 and set both low ET & top speed of the event.

Prock, who jumped back into the points lead in the category and was also the No. 1 qualifier, went to the championship round for the fourth time in 2024 and 12th time overall with wins over Mike Smith, Chad Green and Daniel Wilkerson.

JR Todd had another late round finish at NHRA Epping – advancing to the semi finals in his DHL Toyota Supra

Funny Car Racing Class Summary

WIN: John Force – 4.081 secs 319.29 (Career win #157)
R/UP: Austin Prock – 4.096 secs 316.38 mph
Low ET: Austin Prock – 3.837 secs
Top MPH: Austin Prock – 336.23 mph
Bump: 4.785 secs
Entries – 16 cars

A pre-race favourite — Bob Tasca III (from near by Rhode Island) – qualified #6 – but was upset in round #2.

Posted with files by NHRA Communications & Bruce Biegler
Photos by Dave DeAngelis & Steve Embling

To view more FC class photos link to the LMLC Media event gallery: HERE

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