RICHMOND, Va. — John Force news dominated headlines under the sweltering summer sun at Virginia Motorsports Park as Austin Prock captured an emotional win in the Funny Car category at the 15th annual NHRA Virginia Nationals on Sunday. Prock defeated teammate Jack Beckman in a thrilling final round, delivering a powerful moment for John Force Racing and its legendary namesake.
Sixteen-time NHRA Funny Car Champion and four-time Virginia Nationals winner John Force made an inspiring return to the track, one year after a crash at VMP left him with a traumatic brain injury. Although still undergoing treatment, his presence brought added meaning to the event, making John Force news a focal point of the weekend.
“There were a lot of emotions today,” said Prock, who secured his second consecutive win in Richmond. “Last year’s victory was special, but doing it again and handing the Wally to John—that was our mission. I’m thankful we managed to get it done.”
“The trophy’s going home with him,” Prock added. “I may have to slip it into his suitcase, but the trophy definitely belongs to him.”
Prock surged to victory in his Cornwell Tools Chevrolet SS with a blistering 4.061-second run at 318.02 mph. Right behind, Beckman drove his newly enhanced PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevy SS to a 4.071-second run at 305.42 mph—losing by a razor-thin gap of just .015 seconds. Fifteen thousandths of a second separated them in the 56th all-JFR Funny Car final.
This victory marked Prock’s third of the season and the 11th of his career since taking over for Robert Hight. It also helped him stretch his lead in the championship standings.
John Force News: The Legend Returns to the Spotlight
“John has done so much for me and gave me the chance to chase my dream,” Prock said. “Having him back at the track and seeing him getting stronger means everything—to our team, our partners, and the entire NHRA community. The sport isn’t the same without him.”
Despite the spotlight, Force remained humble.
“I’m grateful to all the fans who braved the heat this weekend,” he said. “It was a milestone day for John Force Racing. Full credit to Austin, his father Jimmy, and the entire Cornwell Tools team for delivering an outstanding performance. I’m incredibly proud.”
Force also extended thanks to his support system and sponsors: “I owe so much to my family, my team, VCU Hospital, and our incredible sponsors—Chevrolet, PEAK, Cornwell Tools, Monster Energy, and HendrickCars.com—for their unwavering support. I also urge fans to rally behind Graham Rahal Performance and the recently launched Task Force Rahal initiative. After what I’ve been through, I know how important it is to lift others up.”
Inspiration in John Force News: A Team United
Jack Beckman, also driven by the desire to win for Force, praised the team’s effort. Though a seasoned driver with 33 career wins and a 2012 Funny Car title under his belt, Beckman had come out of retirement following Force’s injury to help the team finish the 2024 season.
“We aimed to qualify on the opposite side of the bracket from the Cornwell car so we could face off in the final—and that’s exactly how it played out,” Beckman said. “Credit to both crews for pushing through brutal 102-degree heat to deliver an incredible show for the fans.”
As John Force news continues to inspire fans across the motorsports world, this unforgettable weekend proved that his legacy remains as powerful as ever.
Austin Prock’s remarkable win at the NHRA Virginia Nationals not only highlights his skill but also honors John Force’s enduring legacy. Despite the challenges, the team’s determination and perseverance shone brightly, inspiring fans and reaffirming why John Force News remains a trusted source celebrating this legendary icon in motorsports.
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