Saturday at New England Dragway brought a mix of determination, performance, and pride for John Force Racing. Veteran Funny Car driver Jack Beckman claimed his second Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge win of the year, while Austin Prock secured the top Funny Car qualifying position. In Top Fuel, Brittany Force showed strong pace and enters race day with high hopes of reaching a major career milestone.
Jack Beckman Overcomes the Odds for Victory
Jack Beckman, known by many as “Fast Jack,” delivered one of the most dramatic moments of the day. After winning his opening matchup against Cruz Pedregon, Beckman advanced to the 2Fast2Tasty final against three-time champ Matt Hagan. But in between rounds, his team faced a major setback — a complete engine change.
With no time for a test run, the PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant crew installed a fresh motor and sent Beckman to the line. In true veteran fashion, he pulled off a narrow win with a 3.913-second pass at 316.52 mph, holding off Hagan’s quicker 3.920 at 329.83 mph thanks to a lightning-quick start.
“This was one of the craziest Saturdays of my career,” Beckman said. “We had no time to breathe between rounds. To win it like this — with that kind of pressure — makes it even more meaningful.”
The win marked Beckman’s second #2Fast2Tasty Challenge victory of 2024, making him the first Funny Car driver with multiple bonus race wins this season. He also won the challenge at Pomona, then followed it with an event win the next day. He’ll try to repeat that success on Sunday when he faces Daniel Wilkerson in round one.
Austin Prock on Pole Again in Funny Car
Austin Prock continued his breakout season in the Funny Car ranks by grabbing his second consecutive No. 1 qualifying position. Driving the Cornwell Tools / HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro SS, Prock clocked a 3.860-second run at 334.48 mph on Friday and backed it up with a 3.867 on Saturday.
“This car has been working really well,” said the 29-year-old driver. “We were the only ones running in the mid-.80s. That gives us confidence going into race day.”
Prock leads the Funny Car points standings after stepping in for Robert Hight at the start of the season due to Hight’s medical issues. Since then, Prock has consistently delivered, reaching the final round at the last three events. He’ll look to extend that streak by defeating Buddy Hull in round one.
“All I’ve ever wanted was to drive a Funny Car like my grandfather did,” Prock shared. “Now I’m living that dream, competing at this level with this team. It’s still surreal.”
Brittany Force Eyes Career Milestone
Over in Top Fuel, Brittany Force qualified fifth in her Monster Energy Chevrolet, recording solid runs of 3.713 and 3.703 seconds — the latter at a blazing 336.40 mph.
“I’m really proud of this Monster Energy team,” Force said. “We’ve been improving with each pass. Conditions look similar for race day, and I think we’ve got a real chance at winning.”
Force is chasing her first victory of the season, her 18th overall, and a significant milestone — her 300th career round win. She’ll face off against Clay Millican in Sunday’s opening round.
John Force Praises His Team’s Performance
John Force, the 16-time Funny Car world champion and team owner, was pleased with his team’s effort across the board.
“Congrats to Jack and Austin — they both looked strong,” said Force. “And Brittany’s right there in the fight too. She qualified fifth and looks confident. That’s a solid weekend so far.”
Force himself is no stranger to success at this event. He won the New England Nationals just last year, earning the 157th victory of his legendary career.
Looking Ahead to Race Day
With Beckman and Prock on the same side of the Funny Car ladder, a possible semifinal showdown could be looming. Brittany Force will try to break through in Top Fuel and add another win to her impressive record.
Beckman reflected on the broader team effort: “Austin’s crew has been lights out, but I’ve got to give credit to everyone in this pit area today. What our team pulled off in such a short time — that’s what makes this sport so special.”
From veteran experience to rising stars, John Force Racing heads into Sunday’s eliminations with momentum, confidence, and a real shot at taking home multiple trophies at the 2024 NHRA New England Nationals.
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