Jack Beckman Announced as John Force Racing Funny Car Driver for 2025 After Finishing Second in 2024 Season Points
After nearly four years away from the seat of a National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Funny Car, ‘Fast’ Jack Beckman got the chance to jump back behind the wheel in 2024.
When John Force crashed during a round one victory at Virginia Motorsports Park in June, he needed a substitute driver, and Beckman got that chance just over a month later. Now, Beckman will return as a full-time driver in a Funny Car for 2025.
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“This has been one of the most trying years,” said Brian Bohlander of Peak Performance. “From the roller coaster of John’s ascent to almost leading the points championship, to June and where do we go next, to who fills the shoes.” Bohlander then announced Peak is “making a long-tern commitment to John Force Racing. We’re not going anywhere for several years.”
To field a NHRA Funny Car takes sponsors, a great team and of course a great driver. Beckman joined Austin Prock as the pair of John Force Racing Funny Car entries in 2024, and what a season it was for both drivers.
Prock had an incredible rookie Funny Car season, as the former Top Fuel pilot scored eight wins, and started from the number one qualifying spot fifteen times, a single-season record formerly held by none other than Force himself.
But Beckman also had a solid year in less than a half-season of events, competing in just eight times, making to the finals three times, and earning a pair of wins, including the season-ending In-N-Out Burger Finals at Pomona Dragstrip.
Filling in as the replacement driver for Force, and carrying his name and points total with it, Beckman completed a 1-2 points finish for John Force Racing in 2024.
“I had an eight race interview, and it went well,” said Beckman after being announced as the driver for 2025.
The former NHRA national Super Comp and Funny Car champion will get a chance to pursue his own championship in 2025, and Beckman has one of the best in the business cheering him on. “I’m looking forward to cheering on Jack Beckman this season, as I continue my recovery,” said John Force.
Watch the official announcement below:
Written by Derek Putnam. Photos courtesy of John Force Racing and Jack Beckman.
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