“So proud of my dad”: Courtney Force shares a heartfelt message after NHRA legend John Force’s racing retirement 

Courtney Force posted a short message on Instagram after her father, John Force, announced his retirement. Courtney is a former NHRA driver herself.

The 37-year-old's post comes after John Force said he is retiring at age 76. Force is a 16-time Funny Car champion and one of the most successful NHRA drivers of all time. He announced that he has been under medical care for more than a year and said it was time for him to stop racing.

In his retirement announcement, he explained that he still has medical issues to handle and did not want to risk more injury by getting back in the car.

"I didn’t want to get hurt and I was going to stay in the car until my race car gets me. I’m excited where it’s going.”

Force was referring to a traumatic brain injury he suffered in June 2024 after an engine explosion at the end of a run at Virginia Motorsports Park. He spent 15 days at VCU Medical Center, then continued treatment at the Barrow Neurological Institute. Courtney Force shared the retirement announcement John Force made via JFR Racing's official Instagram account. Along with it, she wrote,

So proud of my dad & everything he has accomplished throughout his racing career. I'm excited to see what his next chapter holds and where his @jfr_racing operation will continue to grow. #Retired❤❤❤❤

John Force's daughter, Courtney Force's story on Instagram. Source: Instagram, @courtneyforce

Force won his first Funny Car title in 1990 and his last in 2013. He entered the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2008. His daughter Brittany Force is also one of the team’s top drivers.

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John Force reflects on his partnership with HendrickCars.com

Earlier in January, John Force Racing announced that it renewed its partnership with HendrickCars.com for the 2025 NHRA season. Accordingly, HendrickCars.com's paint scheme appeared on JFR drivers Brittany Force, Austin Prock, and Jack Beckman. Rick Hendrick, known for his success in NASCAR and listed with a net worth of $1 billion, supports the team. In a JRF press release, Force shared his outlook on the partnership.

“It’s an honor and a pleasure to work with Rick Hendrick and HendrickCars.com on this partnership. I’ve known Rick a long time. He sets the standard when it comes to excellence and success in motorsports. I’m excited for my daughter and hope our teams can bring home a few ‘Wally’ winner’s trophies for HendrickCars.com.”

HendrickCars.com was Brittany Force’s primary sponsor at the 4Wide Nationals on April 25 and 26 and again during the Countdown to the Championship from September 19 to 21. There have been no further reports suggesting any changes to the partnership, so for now, Rick Hendrick continues to support the team, in this NASCAR, NHRA crossover.

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Edited by Tushhita Barua