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John Force suffers explosion at starting line at Arby's NHRA Southern Nationals

John Force got his birthday weekend off to a rough start at the Arby's NHRA Southern Nationals.
03 May 2019
Jacob Sundstrom, NHRA National Dragster Associate Editor
Race coverage
John Force

John Force's Peak Coolant Chevy Camaro Funny Car suffered an explosion shortly after its journey down the drag strip began in its first run at the Arby's NHRA Southern Nationals. The 16-time Funny Car champion got out of the car under his own power and was towed down the track following the explosion, but it left his team with a lot of work to do between sessions. 

"The car was like an Arby's sandwich -- hot right out of the box," said Force, who was apparently none worse for wear after getting to the top end. 

Force is celebrating a birthday this weekend, as the winningest driver in NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing history will turn 70 on May 4. He's also chasing his 150th Funny Car win after reaching yet another final round at the NGK Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals in Charlotte just a week ago. He won his 149th race in Denver in 2018.