The latest update from John Force Racing on the status of Robert Hight, the team’s president and three-time NHRA Funny Car champion, has added to the uncertainty surrounding his return to the racing circuit.
Hight, who has been on medical leave since January, has chosen his health over his professional responsibilities. His absence from NHRA events over the last year, combined with recent statements, raises concerns about the future of his career and John Force Racing’s direction.
Hight, who has been the president of John Force Racing since January 2011, has remained an important figure in the corporation.
On June 7, during a media appearance in Bristol, Tennessee, team owner John Force delivered an update on Hight’s status. He added that Hight is not hospitalized, but he likes to avoid racetracks and media attention. Drag Illustrate cites Force’s words
No, Robert is good. What he is currently going through is a continuous process. He is not in the hospital. He’s at home. He just doesn’t want to attend the races. “He doesn’t want to answer all the questions.”
Adding to the uncertainty, Hight announced at the PRI Show in Indianapolis that he will not compete in a Funny Car in 2025. This decision highlights the complications that John Force Racing faces as they react to changes in the team.
Robert Hight’s outstanding career includes 65 victories, 102 final appearances, and 84 number one qualifying, putting him among the finest performers in NHRA history. Hight’s accomplishments include NHRA championships in 2009, 2017, and 2019. He has 626 round wins, ranking third in Funny Car history. Despite his great accomplishments, Hight is firm in his commitment to prioritize his health. According to a statement he issued in January:
“I need to put my health first. I’ll be back once this is handled.
In the meanwhile, Austin Prock has taken on Hight’s racing job. Prock’s debut in the Funny Car category is supported by a new three-year sponsorship agreement with Cornwell Tools. Interestingly, Hight directly suggested Prock as his replacement.
Furthermore, Jack Beckman has been named as John Force’s replacement in the PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SS for the 2024 season, following his catastrophic crash at the Virginia Nationals. Beckman’s significant experience and history with co-crew chief Chris Cunningham made him an ideal candidate for this position.
Force is still recovering from the crash. As previously published by Newsweek Sports, Force outlined his likely return to competing:
“I’m still going to treatment every week and working as hard as I can to go back out there with the sponsors and fans of a sport I adore and miss. I still have a lot of things I want to pursue, so don’t assume you’ve seen the last of John Force. We’ll have plenty more to chat about after the holidays.”
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