Solidly in the NHRA Mello Yello Top 10 points standings, 16-time Funny Car world champion John Force feels confident heading into the second half of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season starting at the NHRA New England Nationals at New England Dragway.
Force has raced his way into two final round appearances and three semifinals after opening up the season with a series of explosions. Force never gave up on his PEAK Coolant and Motor Oil Chevrolet Camaro SS and had all the faith in his team to get them back on the right track.
“The car’s starting to go rounds, this ol’ PEAK Coolant and Motor Oil Chevy is starting to go down the racetrack. That’s what we’ve been working for. We’ve moved up a little in points. It’s still tight, but we’re moving forward. (Crew chief) Jon Schafer, these young kids, Ronnie Thompson, they’re starting to prove themselves. We’ve come back and went to the finals at Richmond and the semifinals in Norwalk both times I get beat by my daughter.”
After 12 races, Force is eighth in points and coming of a semifinal finish in Norwalk, Ohio after qualifying fourth and a No. 6 qualifier on Father’s Day weekend in Bristol, Tenn. In Richmond, he powered his way to the finals only to lose to his daughter and Mello Yello points leader Courtney Force.
“She’s doing her job for Advance Auto Parts and for Chevy,” John Force said, “but I want to do mine, too.”
With the exception of his 2017 first round exit and No. 13 qualifying position, Force, in his five appearances at New England Dragway, has qualified inside the top 10, including a No. 1 qualifier in the event’s inaugural year where he lost in the final round to Courtney Force. Force won the race in 2015 and has two-additional semi-final finishes.
“I’m excited to be getting back to racing at New England Dragway. That place always sells out, the track does a great job and we always try to put on a good show. We’ll be ready,” Force said.
Force will be racing in his fan designed “American Made”-themed PEAK Coolant and Motor Oil that first debuted earlier this season at the NHRA Gatornationals. PEAK reached out to fans across the nation for creative designs and 22-year old William Codianni from San Diego, Calif., was selected from a group of finalists to have his design adorn the 148-time NHRA national event winner’s Chevy Camaro.
The NHRA New England Nationals begin with two qualifying sessions on Friday at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and an additional two rounds of qualifying on Saturday at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Eliminations are slated to begin Sunday at 11 a.m. at New England Dragway.
JFR PR/Photo Credit Auto Imagery
