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Funny Car Concerned Community Jun 28, 2024 // NHRA Event FC Results // editorFunny Car points leader Austin Prock won his second straight race for John Force Racing, defeating Bob Tasca III in the final round with the quickest run of the weekend at the PlayNHRA Virginia Nationals.
But that exciting development was dwarfed by an early incident which has affected both the fate and the future of his racing teammate and NHRA racing legend – John Force.
Prock went 3.921-seconds at 327.90 mph in his Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS to power past Tasca and pick up his third win of 2024 in his debut season in Funny Car.
But after exiting the car — Prock was quick to dedicate the win to his boss, legendary Funny Car driver John Force, who was involved in a serious crash in the first round of eliminations.Force suffered an engine explosion at the finish line and then crossed the centerline, striking both guard walls before coming to a stop. The 16-time world champion was alert and was examined onsite before being transported to a local medical facility for further evaluation.
(**Editors Update : John Force Racing confirmed (June 28th) that John Force suffered a serious head injury in the violent explosion and crash at the PlayNHRA Virginia Nationals. John Force, 75, has moved to the neuro intensive care unit at a Richmond VA hospital. There is no timetable for Force’s release from the hospital or any possible return to NHRA action. The team also added that two-time Top Fuel champ Brittany Force has decided not to race at this week’s NHRA event at Norwalk, Ohio. The team’s third driver, Funny Car points leader Austin Prock, is expected to compete at Norwalk.)John Force suffered serious injuries during a high speed incident during the 1st round of competition at VMP “This win is definitely dedicated to John Force,” Prock said. “This is one for the books and there were a lot of emotions today and we had to battle a bunch of adversity. This trophy is definitely going back to him. I wanted to get it done for him and this is really special. I’m super proud of this team to get it done with everything that went on and keeping my head together.”
“We wanted to get it done for him, but I almost felt like I was feeling the pressure early on in the day. I drove terrible in the second and third round. This team’s busting their tail out in this heat, and I don’t want to be the weak link and I wanted to get it done for John.”
Prock reached the final round with wins against Cruz Pedregon, Ron Capps and defending world champ Matt Hagan, while Tasca advanced to the championship round for the second time this season with victories against Dave Richards, Tim Wilkerson and Blake Alexander.
Funny Car Racing Class Summary
WIN: Austin Prock – 3.921 secs 327.90 (Career win #7)
R/UP: Bob Tasca III – 7.145 secs 90.55 mph
Low ET: Austin Prock – 3.921 secs
Top MPH: Bob Tasca III – 330.07 mph
Bump: 4.476 secs
Entries – 17 cars
Both Matt Hagan (top) and Blake Alexander had solid events at VMP — with both drivers finishing in the “final four” Posted with files by NHRA Communication – JFR – Bruce Biegler
Photos by Dave DeAngelisFor more FC class Photos from VMP visit LMLCMedia gallery: HERE
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