John Force: The Drag Racing Legend You Need To Know

How Much is John Force Worth?

Let me tell you about John Force, the man who's not just a drag racing legend but also a multi-millionaire. John Force, an American drag racer, Funny Car driver, and car owner, has amassed a net worth of $20 million. This guy didn’t just stop at being a champion; he’s won the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) championship an astonishing 16 times as a driver and 21 times as a car owner. That’s a lot of trophies, right? John Force Racing is his pride and joy, and he’s built it into a powerhouse. His daughters—Ashley, Brittany, and Courtney—are all drag racers, while his oldest daughter, Adria, serves as the CFO of John Force Racing. Known as “Brute Force” for his sheer dominance, John has earned the nickname for winning ten consecutive NHRA championships. His family is celebrated as “The First Family of Drag Racing,” and they even had their own reality TV show, "Driving Force," which aired on A&E in 2006-2007.

Early Days: From Hardship to Stardom

John Force’s journey isn’t just about speed and success; it’s also about overcoming challenges. Born on May 4, 1949, in Bell Gardens, California, John grew up in tough circumstances, moving between migrant farms and trailer parks. At one point, he battled polio but managed to overcome it. As one of six siblings, Force found his passion early on. By the time he was 21, he was already racing, proving that his dreams were bigger than any obstacle. Before diving into racing, he played football in high school and attended Cerritos College, but his heart was always on the track.

The Career of a Drag Racing Titan

In 1971, John Force stepped into the world of Funny Car racing with the Jack Chrisman-built Night Stalker Mustang. This marked the beginning of a legendary career. Over the years, he raced in various vehicles, including a Corvette, a Monza, and an Oldsmobile Cutlass. The Cutlass became his signature car from the 1980s until the end of the 1993 season, after which he switched to Ford and eventually returned to Chevrolet. Between 1987 and 1996, Force was unstoppable, winning 67 out of 203 NHRA events. His dominance extended into the mid and late 1990s, where he won ten NHRA championship events from 1993 to 2002, including an impressive streak of six consecutive titles from 1997 to 2002.

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As his career progressed, Force expanded his empire by building a racing team. Tony Pedregon, the younger brother of his rival Cruz Pedregon, drove his second car, while Gary Densham, a close friend and fellow racer, piloted a third car. In 2003, Force didn’t win a title for the first time since 1992, but his teammate Pedregon claimed his first world title. Force bounced back in 2004, securing his thirteenth world title. The following years saw ups and downs, including a crash in 2007 that sidelined him temporarily, but Force’s resilience kept him in the game. Despite a decline in victories in the late 2000s, his legacy remained strong, and his daughter Ashley even finished second overall in 2008.

In 2010, Force celebrated a quarter-century with the same sponsor and 34 years in the NHRA, kicking off the season with a win at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. While his victories became less frequent in the 2010s, he remains a respected figure in the sport. Racing has become a family affair, with all three of his daughters excelling in the sport. In 2019, Force achieved his 150th race win at the Magic Dry Organic Absorbent NHRA Northwest Nationals and followed it up with a victory at the U.S. Nationals, proving that he’s still got what it takes.

Beyond the Track: John Force's Personal Life

Off the track, John Force enjoys a fulfilling personal life with his wife, Laurie, and their three daughters—Ashley, Courtney, and Brittany. The family’s dynamic was showcased in the A&E reality show "Driving Force," giving fans a glimpse into their lives beyond racing. In 2008, Force was honored with induction into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, cementing his status as a true icon in the world of motorsports.