End of an Era: NHRA Icon John Force Comes to Terms with the High Likelihood of Permanent Retirement from Competitive Drag Racing Amid Lingering Health Concerns…
*July 19, 2025 — NHRA Newsroom*
In a deeply emotional and reflective moment for motorsports fans around the world, 16-time NHRA Funny Car world champion John Force has publicly acknowledged that his time behind the wheel may have come to an end. Speaking from his Southern California home, Force admitted that while the racer in him still dreams of the starting line, reality has begun to set in following his recent health struggles.
“This isn’t the way I wanted to go out,” Force said. “But I’ve come to terms with the fact that I might not race again. I’ve had one hell of a ride.”
The 75-year-old racing legend, who suffered a serious crash earlier this season, has been undergoing extensive medical evaluations and rehabilitation. While updates on his recovery have remained private, Force’s tone marks a clear shift from earlier in the year when he hinted at a possible return to the track.
Force’s impact on drag racing is monumental. Not only is he one of the most decorated drivers in NHRA history, but he also built John Force Racing into one of the sport’s most successful organizations. His influence spans generations, with daughters Brittany, Courtney, and Ashley all having raced under his banner.
“There’s still fire in my heart, but my body and doctors are telling me another story,” Force said. “I want to be there for my team, my family, and this sport, even if it’s not behind the wheel.”
Fellow NHRA drivers, fans, and officials have flooded social media with tributes, thanking Force for decades of thrills, innovation, and leadership. NHRA President Glen Cromwell released a statement calling Force “irreplaceable” and “a titan of drag racing who redefined excellence.”
While Force hasn’t issued an official retirement, this is the strongest indication yet that his racing career may have reached its final chapter. Still, he remains committed to guiding his team from the sidelines and nurturing the next generation of racers.
“I might not suit up again,” Force said, “but I’ll always be in the fight. This sport is in my blood.”
Whether he returns to competition or not, John Force’s legacy is already firmly cemented — a true icon of A
merican motorsports.
