NHRA Media PhotoBy NHRA Media
For all those so-called drag racing experts who officially wrote John Force off as an NHRA dominator in the Funny Car class, and said his world championship total is finished at 14 titles, it’s time to eat a little crow.

Who could blame Force if he feels just a little bit of sweet satisfaction right about now?

After enduring a tough stretch of seasons marred by tragedy, turmoil, crashes and mediocrity, NHRA legend John Force has finally emerged from all the chaos and regained his swagger.

He got it back through hard work, sweat, dedication and an incredible desire. It is the same desire that led him from a middle of the pack performer in the late ‘80s to the bigger-than-life 14-time world champ throughout the ‘90s and early 2000s.

However, this time around, he needs to show the world that last season’s dismal performance – his worst on record since 1984 – was not the true John Force. He wants to prove that he’s still got what it takes to overcome incredible odds and win races and championships once again in the highly-volatile 7,000-horsepower world of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.

“I have always been the kind of guy when somebody tears me down, it builds my strength,” Force said last week during a teleconference with national media. “If a driver gets after me, it makes me work harder. I was like that as a kid playing Pop Warner football. I never had a lot of talent, but I stayed after it, and I lived it.”

Beaver Dam Raceway - Open Practice April 10th

Cedar Lake Speedway - SEASON OPENER THIS WEEKEND- featuring practice Thursday 6-9 and complete shows Friday & Saturday of Late Models, Modifieds, Pro Stocks & Midwest Modifieds! Racing starts at 6:00 $15 Adults, $7 Students and 6 & under FREE

Columbus 151 Speedway - Open Practice April 14th

Illiana Motor Speedway - Open Practice April 10th

Jefferson Speedway - Open Practice April 10th

Rockford Speedway - 3PM WXRX 104.9FM Stone & Double T - Two Hundred- 200 Lap Enduro

If you have an event this weekend that we missed, please let us know!

Mid-American Racing Staff PhotoThird in a Series Introducing Mid-American’s Rookie Class of 2010

FORT ATKINSON, Wis. (March 31, 2010) – The 11th year may be the final for Crystal Wood. If so, one of the greatest pioneers for women in Wisconsin short track racing history hopes to end her career as Mid-American Stock Car Series rookie of the year.

For the past six seasons the Denmark, Wis., driver has balanced a career and raising her twin daughters with the sport she loves. With her family on her mind, Wood seems at ease with the thought of 2010 being her last season.

“You kind of run out of time for things you want to do,” Wood said in reference to her daughters becoming more active. “We figured this is probably going to be our last year, so why not try for [rookie of the year].”

Last season Wood attempted a run at the rookie of the year title, but was only able to attend five races, leaving her eligible to try again this season.

In those five events Wood qualified for three features. She logged a 10th place finish at 141 Speedway, a 13th place finish at Norway Speedway and a 20th place finish at Dells Raceway Park.

An abbreviated schedule in 2009 with Mid-American and a part-time schedule at 141 gave Wood a few lessons on how to attack this year’s campaign.

“It’s interesting to go to all the different tracks. It really challenges you to test what you know,” she said. “You’re in such a routine. You know the ins and outs of the track you race at every week. So when you travel, it’s a challenge.”

The decision to hit the road with Mid-American was made a little easier for Wood when 141 Speedway decided to go dirt for 2010. Wood said she hopes for the best for the facility, but will miss the convenience and tradition of going to her home track.

NHRA Media PhotoBy NHRA Media
CONCORD, N.C. – John Force continued his resurgence and made history Monday by racing to victory at the rain-delayed NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway.

It was the second win of the season for the 60-year-old Funny Car icon, who increased his series points lead to 89 over his rivals. Force, a 14-time world champion who suffered career-threatening injuries in a spectacular crash in Sept. 2007 in Dallas and endured one of the worst competitive seasons of his storied career in 2009, has returned to his familiar position as a championship-challenger this season.

"This is a little taste of history,” Force said. "This was special, like beating the dragsters at Bristol (2000 Winston Showdown). Thanks to (zMAX Dragway owners) Bruton and Marcus Smith. They took the money and spent it to make this happen. The hardest part was racing Ron Capps. He is always tough and (Matt) Hagan, now that he has (co-crew chief) John Medlen there, will put the fear into you. My own daughter also leaves nothing on the table. I’m proud of Ashley. She’s learned the game. This track is so good that we took wing off of it. I don’t usually run big speed, but it did this weekend.”

In the four-wide final, Force powered his Castrol GTX High Mileage Ford Mustang to a 4.036 second run at 316.23 mph to finish ahead of his daughter, Ashley Force Hood, longtime rival Ron Capps and second-year driver Matt Hagan. It was Force’s 128th career victory and first at zMAX Dragway. Runner-up Force Hood set a national speed record at 316.38 mph in her Castrol GTX Mustang.

Cory McClenathan (Top Fuel), Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also were winners at the first NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event to featuring racing in four lanes instead of the traditional two.

NHRA Media PhotoThere’s a first time for everything.

However, in the world of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, those milestone opportunities come and go at rapid speed, often at more than 320 mph. Those drivers who are able to break through and become the first to accomplish a feat are long-remembered for their achievements.

Drag racing fans remember Kenny Bernstein as the first to eclipse the 300-mph barrier in official NHRA competition. Shirley Muldowney achieved legendary status for becoming the first female to win an NHRA Top Fuel race and world championship crown. Pro Stock legend Warren Johnson was the first to post a 200-mph speed in his category. Two years ago 14-time Funny Car champ John Force became the first driver to record 1,000 round wins in NHRA competition. Earlier that same year he watched his daughter Ashley become the first female to win a Funny Car race.

So now, the big question looms as to who will be the first drivers to win four-wide races in their respective categories?

The inaugural NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, one of the most anticipated NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series events in NHRA history, will be held at the spectacular zMAX Dragway, March 25-28. The track is the only drag racing facility in the world to feature four all-concrete lanes for racing. The historic race will be televised on ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD.

Not only is a solid place in the record books waiting for the four winners of the inaugural NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, but also critical NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championship points will be up for grabs. This is no exhibition. This event will be important for teams who are working to position themselves for a strong finish in the Countdown to 10, NHRA’s 17-race regular season.