John Force news letter...

[ebxr8240]

THINGS ARE GETTING A LITTLE EDGY………………..

Bill Stephens’ – “In the Groove” 6-27-05 column from John Force Racing website:

It wasn’t that long ago that John was looking for his fourth straight win, Robert and Eric were putting up some incredible numbers, and there wasn’t a whole lot that the rest of the Funny Car class could do to put a stop to it.

My, how times have changed.

John has now won exactly one round of racing in the last three events. He lost in the first round in Chicago, the second round in Englishtown, and the first round on Sunday evening in St. Louis. He still leads the points, but only because the driver closest to him in the standings, Gary Scelzi, has also hit some rough water, and John’s lead is a mere 55 points.

It never ceases to amaze me (and you, I’m sure) how teams can go from virtually invincible to totally helpless in such a short length of time. A perfect example is the fact that all four professional winners in St. Louis this year hadn’t won a race all season! Brandon Bernstein hadn’t won Top Fuel since Topeka last year, Ron Capps hadn’t taken a F/C victory since Phoenix of 2003, Kurt Johnson’s last win in Pro Stock was Phoenix last year and Angelle Sampey’s last win was at the Auto Club Finals in Pomona last November.

Everyone in St. Louis was chattering about the top end interview John gave on the P.A. at Gateway International Raceway on Saturday after qualifying a disappointing 15th. When he climbed from the Castrol Mustang, he shook his head and said, “That’s the biggest piece of sh___ I’ve ever driven!” The fans, obviously, got a charge out of another one of those “Force Moments” but his remark revealed an even greater truth that separates John’s team from every other operation in the NHRA.

There isn’t another driver in the sport who could have said something like that and not had a real problem with his crew chief and team when he got back to the pits. Can you imagine what the response would have been in the Schumacher pits if Whit or Gary Scelzi had said that on the P.A. after a run? Why can John say that and not touch off a firestorm of bad morale with his guys?

Because John is the first to tell his team how much he loves each and every one of them and they understand that no matter what kind of emotional outburst he displays in a moment of frustration, he’s behind his guys 1000%. John has created an environment on his team that is devoid of infighting, petty politics, and silly ego battles. How he has done it is one of the great mysteries in drag racing. I’ve seen it play out before my very eyes for the better part of the last 10 years and I still can’t explain it. If it were that easy to do, every team in the pits would have that same synergy, but trust me, NOBODY ELSE DOES—regardless of what they may tell you.

Another reason that John’s exasperated quote on Saturday didn’t cause any great waves is because of the long and trusting relationship he has had with Austin Coil. They know each other as well—or better—than their wives do and despite the differences of opinions, disagreements, and occasional turf battles that have cropped up over the last 20 years that they’ve been together, the upshot is that the two of them are in this to the end—plain and simple. There are times that John has issues with his car (such as on Saturday in St. Louis) and there are times Austin has issues with John’s driving (Remember the red lights and holeshot losses last year?), but through it all, they each know they are the most successful organization in the history of the sport and nothing is taken personally.

The first half of 2005 is now over and there’s a three-week hiatus before the Western Swing starts on July 15. I’ll be back here after the race in Denver with more from “In the Groove” and I’ll see you Sunday mornings at 11AM EDT on “Inside Drag Racing” on ESPN2…………..

Bill Stephens


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NEW DENIM JOHN FORCE SHIRTS – to celebrate John’s 30 years of racing, we have a created a limited edition, button-down denim shirt with a beautifully embroidered “30th Anniversary” logo above the left chest pocket. We are only producing a limited number of these shirts for sale, so order yours today and wear a piece of motorsport history! (Item # APP100)

NEW LOOK FOR RACESTATION WEBSITE – Recently we had a big model shoot at our facility and motorsport photographer – Gary Nastase captured all the models wearing the latest apparel and hats sold in the RaceStation Store. In the next few weeks our website team will be redesigning the RaceStation website to have a “new look” utilizing a catalog theme. A number of fans ask us from time to time how a certain piece of apparel looks on a guy or gal. Now we’ll have plenty of good lookin’ guys and gals to model our apparel!



PRE-ORDER ROBERT HIGHT DIECAST – This year is Robert Hight's rookie year in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. This diecast is a limited production of 1500. Each car comes with car covers, serial numbers, and new packaging! Robert will autograph these diecasts personally. This offer is not found anywhere else. Own a piece of motorsport history, as Robert Hight is the leading candidate for the "Rookie of the Year" award in NHRA drag racing for 2005. (Item # 163)

SUPER COMP – NEXT GENERATION TEAM – The “Next Generation” Force Racing group is growing even bigger with John’s two youngest daughters Brittany and Courtney. There is a new link to their racing endeavors listed on our website at: www.johnforceracing.com/supercomp.htm. All our competitors are looking at the “Next Generation” teams as an endless supply of up and coming drivers that they’ll have to compete against. Hats off to John “Dad” and Laurie “Mom” and their band of female racers in Ashley, Brittany and Courtney that are attacking the quarter mile tracks. And don’t forget Robert & Adria Force are grooming the “NEXT, Next, Generation” in Autumn!!!!!!

HEAD & NECK RESTRAINT – A large number of race fans and fellow racers from sprint car racers to drag racers have been inquiring about the head and neck restraint equipment that John and fellow Force Racing drivers are using this year in competition. The “R3” unit is manufactured by LFT Technologies. For more information you can go to their website at: http://www.lfttech.com/

JOHN FORCE & NASCAR RACE CAKES – Summer is here and time for parties and barbeques. If you want a unique item for dessert, order a RaceCake today. Whether you’re a John Force fan, or NASCAR fan………check out the cakes in stock. (Link to Racecakes)

FUZZY DICE – A blast from the past is now available with either John Force Racing or NHRA logo on fuzzy dice. These items were popular back in the 50’s, now you can show everyone you are still cool. They make great nostalgia gifts for that special hot rodder ! (Item # 153 & #162)

JULY - SATURDAY NIGHT CRUISE NIGHTS – During the month of July we are trying something new with our cruise nights at our racing facility in Yorba Linda, CA. Every Saturday night we are hosting a cruise night sponsored by autobytel. There will be hundreds of street rods and muscle cars on display, along with food, music and tours of the John Force Museum and Race Shop. If you are in the Southern California area during the month of July, stop by between 5-8pm and check out all the cool cars on display!

WIN A BRAND NEW 350ci CRATE MOTOR – Enter to win autobytel’s raffle for a brand new 350 cubic inch Chevy motor and you could be a big winner! Valued at $3000, this motor comes complete with a Edelbrock Performer Intake Manifold and 650cfm Carburetor, along with polished Chevy valve covers and a 14” chrome air cleaner. All proceeds benefit the Brea Police Dept – Family Support Unit. Our local police department does an excellent job securing and protecting our cities, and we wanted to make sure that any injured officer’s family is taken care of during a difficult time. If you would like to buy a raffle ticket for $2.00 each or a book of tickets (25) for $50, ( Click Here ) and get all the information!

HAPPY 4th of JULY TO ALL OUR FANS!
Our country celebrates Independence Day this next Monday, July 4th. John Force Racing wants all our fans to celebrate this day safe and sane with your family and friends. But also take a moment to remember the great freedoms we have as American citizens, and all our military personnel that fight to keep our freedoms strong. We also take a moment to remember all military families who are without their loved ones during this day of remembrance.

IN CLOSING – The John Force Racing teams will get a break for a couple of weeks before they attack NHRA’s “western swing” starting in Denver, CO on July 15th. After a few gremlins attacked our funny cars the past few races, everyone feels confident they have found the problems and will be ready for a great championship run in the next few months. To all our crew members and families…………….ENJOY this time together!

[Racecraft]

The thing I love so much is just how hard it is to even get into the big show in the group1 cars.. WE only see snippets of the qualifing on ESPN but iirc upto 50% of the cars that turn up to race get put on the trailer before the event and points racing start..



And his daughter Ashley is a hottie

[JG3282]

Originally Posted by Racecraft

And his daughter Ashley is a hottie

I second that