NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Jack Beckman will make his first runs as the replacement driver for John Force during this weekend’s Cornwell Tools “Night Under Fire” at Summit Motorsports Park, beginning a new chapter in his already memorable career.

Beckman, who has been sidelined since the end of the COVID-shortened 2020 season, was tapped by John Force Racing as the fill-in driver for the injured 16-time NHRA Funny Car world champion, who continues to receive treatment for a traumatic brain injury he suffered in a June 23 crash in Richmond, Va.

Beckman, a 33-time NHRA national event Funny Car winner, will run the final eight events of the season for John Force Racing and under NHRA’s Driver Replacement Policy, will earn those points for Force beginning at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in Brainerd, Minn., Aug. 15-18.

"It's been nearly four years since I stood on the throttle,” said Beckman, who will have to renew his NHRA competition license before the event begins. “Though the circumstances that brought me back are regrettable, the opportunity presented to me is beyond my ability to find words. I'm not replacing John. Nobody could ever do that. John is one of a kind, and his impact on this sport, and my life, cannot be overemphasized. 

“I know how fortunate I am to have been picked to fill in,” he added. “I should be easy to spot in the pits. I'll be the guy who can't stop smiling."

In an interview with Summit Motorsports Park Media & Public Relations leader Mary Lendzion, Beckman added, “I have always loved John Force, and as far as I am concerned, he can never do anything wrong. I had not spoken to him since his accident because I wanted to be respectful of the fact that he has a long road to recovery and is surrounded by people, and I knew there would be a time and place for a visit and I was willing to wait for that. When John Force Racing did call me, I said yes immediately, and then I tried not to get too excited when we were going through the process and checking off what we needed to check off in order for this to happen.
 
“I thought my racing career was over after the pandemic and money was tight. To be given this opportunity and to be named the person to hop into this car means a lot. It is actually hard to find the words. It is humbling, flattering and exhilarating to know I am driving John Force’s car. He is the definition of self-made. He does not know the meaning of no. They broke the mold with that guy and I love him to death. There is only one John Force, and what he has accomplished is not likely to be repeated. I so appreciate his family’s faith in me.

“I would be foolish to think I am going to immediately be at the same level I was at, but I am ready to make the laps and do what I need to do to be where I need to be, and I am looking forward to it.”