
John Force is an accomplished American drag racer and a prominent figure in the world of Funny Car racing. As both a driver and car owner, his impressive career has earned him a substantial net worth of $20 million. Force has become a legend in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), securing 16 championships as a driver and an additional 21 titles as a car owner. He is the founder of John Force Racing, a team that has produced multiple victories and shaped the future of drag racing. Alongside him, his daughters – Ashley, Brittany, and Courtney – also made their mark in the racing world, and his eldest daughter, Adria, serves as the CFO for his racing team. Known as “Brute Force” for his dominance on the track, John Force’s legacy is sealed not only by his titles but also by his record of winning ten consecutive NHRA championships. His family has become known as “The First Family of Drag Racing,” and their lives were chronicled in the A&E reality series Driving Force (2006-2007).
Who is John Force?
John Force is a highly successful American drag racer, best known for his dominance in the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) Funny Car category. Born on May 4, 1949, in Bell Gardens, California, Force is one of the most accomplished and influential figures in the world of drag racing. Over the course of his career, he has won a total of 16 NHRA Funny Car championships as a driver and 21 championships as a car owner, making him a dominant force in the sport.

Force began his racing career in the early 1970s and gained national recognition during a remarkable period from the late 1980s to the early 2000s, when he won ten consecutive NHRA championships. He is known for his incredible work ethic, resilience, and ability to perform under pressure, earning him the nickname “Brute Force.” Throughout his career, he has also established John Force Racing, which has become one of the most successful and recognizable teams in the NHRA.
In addition to his racing career, Force’s family plays a significant role in the sport. His daughters—Ashley, Brittany, and Courtney—are all accomplished drag racers, furthering the family’s legacy in the motorsports world. Force’s contributions to racing have been widely recognized, and he was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2008. His life and career were also featured in the A&E reality show Driving Force in the mid-2000s.
John Force Net Worth
John Force, the legendary drag racer and car owner, has amassed a net worth of $20 million. Over the course of his illustrious career, Force has established himself as one of the most successful and influential figures in NHRA racing. As both a driver and team owner, he has earned numerous championships—16 NHRA Funny Car titles as a driver and 21 as a car owner. His successful racing career, combined with his business ventures, including the ownership of John Force Racing, has contributed to his wealth. Force’s dominance on the track, along with his enduring legacy in the sport, has solidified his financial success. In addition to his racing achievements, his family’s involvement in drag racing has further cemented his status as a key figure in the motorsports industry.

Early Life and Struggles
John Force was born on May 4, 1949, in Bell Gardens, California, to parents Harold and Betty Ruth Force. His early years were shaped by a series of challenges that would build the resilience he’s known for today. Growing up in a working-class family, Force and his siblings frequently moved from place to place, spending time in migrant farms and trailer parks. These constant relocations created a sense of instability in his childhood, making it a difficult time for him to establish roots.
In addition to these hardships, Force faced a significant health battle at a young age. He contracted polio, a disease that can cause permanent paralysis, but despite this serious setback, Force overcame the illness and eventually regained his strength. His ability to recover and continue on with his life shaped his determination and drive, traits that would later define his career in racing.
Despite these challenges, Force was a promising athlete in his youth. He excelled as a high school football player, where he demonstrated leadership, grit, and a competitive spirit. His athleticism was complemented by his interest in cars and racing. Even as a teenager, Force’s fascination with speed and engines began to take root, and he spent his spare time working on cars and dreaming of a career in motorsports.
After high school, Force attended Cerritos College, where he continued to hone his skills and athletic abilities. Although he was studying and developing his future, his true passion was racing. By the age of 21, Force had made the decision to pursue drag racing, starting his journey in a sport that would define his life. Despite his humble beginnings and the many obstacles in his path, Force’s relentless determination set him on a course that would eventually make him a dominant figure in the world of NHRA drag racing.
Wiki
Section | Details |
Full Name | John Harold Force |
Date of Birth | May 4, 1949 |
Place of Birth | Bell Gardens, California, United States |
Nationality | American |
Profession | Drag Racer, Car Owner, Team Owner |
John Force Net Worth | $20 Million |
Family | – Wife: Laurie Force- Daughters: Ashley Force, Courtney Force, Brittany Force- Daughter (CFO of John Force Racing): Adria Force |
Career | – NHRA Drag Racer and Car Owner- Founder of John Force Racing |
Championships | 16 NHRA Funny Car Championships as a driver21 NHRA Championships as a car owner |
Notable Achievements | – 10 consecutive NHRA championships from 1993 to 2002- Won 67 of 203 NHRA events- 150th career win at the 2019 NHRA Northwest Nationals |
Induction | Inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2008 |
Television | Featured in the A&E reality series Driving Force (2006–2007) |
Racing Team | Founder of John Force Racing |
Major Rivalries | Cruz Pedregon, Tony Pedregon |
Career Highlights and Achievements
Force made his debut in the world of drag racing in 1971, driving the “Night Stalker” Mustang, built by Jack Chrisman. Over the years, Force raced a variety of vehicles, from a Corvette to a Monza, and ultimately found success with the Oldsmobile Cutlass in the 1980s. By the 1990s, he made a name for himself, particularly during a remarkable period from 1987 to 1996, during which he claimed 67 of his 203 career NHRA event wins.
Between 1993 and 2002, Force dominated the NHRA, securing ten consecutive championships and further cementing his legacy as a leading figure in drag racing. He expanded his influence by forming a racing team that included top drivers like Tony Pedregon and Gary Densham. After a brief setback in 2003, when Force didn’t win a championship for the first time since 1992, he returned stronger than ever, capturing his 13th world title in 2004.

Despite suffering a crash in 2006 and another in 2007, which led to him missing several races, Force showed resilience, ultimately claiming his 14th NHRA championship. As the 2000s came to a close, his dominance on the track began to decline slightly, but his name remained synonymous with drag racing excellence. His daughter, Ashley, also found success in the sport, finishing second in the overall standings in 2008.
In the 2010s, Force continued to compete but began to see fewer victories. Nonetheless, his reputation remained strong as one of drag racing’s most respected and experienced competitors. In 2019, he marked a major milestone by winning his 150th race at the NHRA Northwest Nationals, followed by a victory at the U.S. Nationals.
Personal Life
John Force’s personal life reflects the same determination and resilience that defined his racing career. He is married to Laurie, who has been a constant source of support throughout his journey. Together, they have three daughters—Ashley, Courtney, and Brittany—all of whom followed in their father’s footsteps to become competitive drag racers. The Force family is often referred to as “The First Family of Drag Racing” due to their incredible success and prominence in the sport. Their shared love for racing has made them a unique and celebrated family in the motorsports world.
John and Laurie’s daughters have carved their own paths within drag racing, each achieving notable success. Ashley, the oldest of the three, became a major figure in the NHRA and even finished second in the overall standings at one point. Courtney and Brittany also made their mark, with Brittany becoming the first woman to win a Funny Car race in NHRA history. Their involvement in the sport has solidified the family’s legacy and contributed to the rise of women in drag racing. John has always emphasized the importance of family in his life, and it is evident that racing is not just his passion, but a family affair.

The Force family’s dynamic and close-knit bond were showcased in the A&E reality series Driving Force, which aired from 2006 to 2007. The show provided an inside look at the lives of the Force family, capturing their personal and professional struggles, triumphs, and the unwavering support they offer each other. It highlighted the sacrifices and hard work that went into achieving success in a demanding and dangerous sport, offering fans a deeper connection to one of racing’s most iconic families.
Legacy and Continued Impact
John Force’s career is one marked by numerous accolades, a pioneering spirit in the world of NHRA drag racing, and an unwavering commitment to the sport. His influence extends beyond his personal achievements, as he has shaped the future of racing through his family and John Force Racing. Despite challenges, including injuries and an evolving sport, Force remains a fixture in the racing world and continues to be a driving force in drag racing history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is John Force net worth?
A: John Force net worth is estimated to be around $20 million. His wealth comes from his successful drag racing career and his ownership of John Force Racing.
Q: How many NHRA championships has John Force won?
A: John Force has won 16 NHRA Funny Car championships as a driver and 21 championships as a car owner.
Q: What is John Force’s nickname?
A: John Force is often referred to as “Brute Force” due to his remarkable dominance in NHRA racing.
Q: Who are John Force’s children?
A: John Force has three daughters: Ashley Force, Brittany Force, and Courtney Force, all of whom are involved in competitive drag racing.
Q: What is John Force Racing?
A: John Force Racing is the racing team owned by John Force, which has achieved significant success in the NHRA, producing top-tier drivers and winning numerous championships.
Q: Was John Force ever on television?
A: Yes, John Force and his family were featured in the A&E reality series Driving Force, which aired from 2006 to 2007.
Conclusion
John Force is a true legend in the world of drag racing, known for his unparalleled success, resilience, and lasting impact on the sport. With 16 championships as a driver and 21 as a car owner, Force has solidified his place in motorsport history. His family’s involvement in racing has further strengthened the Force legacy, and he continues to be a driving force in the NHRA. Inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame and recognized for his contributions to the sport, John Force’s career is a testament to his dedication, passion, and influence on future generations of racers.
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