“JFR now has one hell of a four driver lineup”: Fans react as John Force Racing makes major 2026 driver announcement 

John Force Racing has announced a major update to its 2026 NHRA Drag Racing Series driver roster, and fans were ecstatic on social media. On Friday, December 12, the team confirmed at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in Indianapolis that Jordan Vandergriff will drive the Chevrolet SS Funny Car for the upcoming season.

John Force Racing's Funny Car lineup will also include Funny Car Champion Jack Beckman and veteran Alexis DeJoria.

ESPN's Kelley Crandall reacted to the news on X, writing:

"This is great to see for Jordan and it'll be fun to see what he can do. And JFR now has one hell of a four driver lineup for next season."

Josh Hart will pilot the team's Top Fuel dragster to competition next year. His signing came earlier this fall. The two-time NHRA Top Fuel national event winner will replace Brittany Force, who stepped away from full-time competition at the end of 2025 to start a family.

Fans also praised Vandergriff, who has worked as a fill-in driver on the nitro tour and served on broadcast teams.

"Well deserved! Will miss him on the tv broadcast but this is going to be a good story to follow!" a fan wrote. "Didn't have Jordan on my Bingo card," another replied.

Vandergriff began his NHRA career in Top Fuel in 2019, making 11 starts. The 22-year-old is the grandson of the owner of Hedman Hedders, Bob Vandergriff. He also filled in for Shawn Reed Racing after Shawn Reed was injured in a crash.

Veteran NASCAR reporter Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports also reacted to the announcement, writing:

"This NHRA announcement makes me smile: Jordan Vandergriff has a full-time funny car ride for John Force Racing in 2026. I've gotten to know him a little bit since he was part of the NHRA on FOX telecasts and can attest for his passion and determination."

John Force Racing, which debuted with owner John Force about 30 years ago, has produced multiple world champions and hundreds of event wins. As a team owner, Force claimed 22 championships and more than 150 national event wins. The 76-year-old also announced his retirement from driving in November this year.

John Force Racing fills 2026 Funny Car lineup after parting with Austin Prock

NHRA: Media Day - Source: Imagn

Earlier this month, John Force Racing brought in Alexis DeJoria and signed her to a multiyear deal. The 2014 U.S. Nationals winner has about two decades of Funny Car experience and will pilot the Bandero Café entry in 2026.

Austin Prock left the team after back-to-back NHRA Funny Car championships at the end of this season. The team confirmed the split, saying that the change was part of the business. Prock earned all 21 of his NHRA wins with John Force Racing, 17 in Funny Car and four in Top Fuel.

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Edited by Hitesh Nigam