NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

 

 

 

 

Who is "Fast Jack" Beckman?

The toughest job in drag racing might be filling in for John Force, both on and off the track — roles for which Jack Beckman is uniquely qualified and is eagerly taking on.
30 Jul 2024
David Kennedy
Race coverage
Who is Jack Beckman?

 

Taking Over for John Force

If you know “Fast Jack" Beckman, you understand why he’s taking over for drag racing icon John Force. However, if you’re new to the sport because you heard about John Force’s Funny Car crash from USA Today, CBS Sports, or NBC, you might be wondering, "Who could possibly bring the enthusiasm, capability, and showmanship necessary to fill in for John Force with fans, sponsors, and Force's winner-take-all capability for the remainder of the 2024 season?" The answer is Jack Beckman. This opportunity for Beckman positions him to carry forward John Force's legacy and success, aiming to secure a championship for the team.

REsume Highlights

One of Beckman’s quintessential victories that displayed all of the traits needed to fill in for Force was his fiery final at the 2017 Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals event, which is captured in the Nitro Time Machine series. 

Educational Contributions

Beyond his racing achievements, Beckman is also a hot rodder and a walking master class on drag racing history. His series, "Hot Rod History with Jack Beckman," covers the evolution of the sport from the 1950s, providing insights into the early days of drag racing. Beckman’s ability to blend historical knowledge with modern racing techniques makes his insight invaluable for enthusiasts and racers alike. 

Episode 1: From Hot Rod Magazine to National Dragster — Jack walks us through the basics of when commercially successful drag racing began, and how Wally Parks made the case for the creation of a National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) using a pen name and a letter to the editor in Hot Rod.

How Did Beckman come to be? 

Beckman’s passion for the sport can be summed up in this 2017 NHRA on FOX "Walk 1,000 with Jack Beckman,"  in which Amanda Busick gets Beckman to share his life's tale while walking on his home track, the In-N-Out Burger Dragstrip in Pomona, Calif.