Sixteen-time NHRA Funny Car Champion John Force officially announced his retirement from driving Thursday during a press conference from his shop in Yorba Linda, California. 

Official Retirement Announcement

"It’s finally out of the box, it’s time for me to retire,” said Force. "I’ve got a next generation following me like my daughters and it was time for me with Brittany stepping out of the seat." 

Earlier this season his daughter and two-time Top Fuel Champion, Brittany Force announced her departure from the driver’s seat to start a family with her husband Bobby. 

"I said many times to the media, and I always meant it, that you'd have to drag me out of that race car, but I have been hurt really bad.”

John Force Racing will continue on with Austin Prock and Jack Beckman for the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Season. 

"I’m going to grow my operation and I’m excited where it’s going. I love this sport and the NHRA, but I’m officially done with driving. I also said in media so many times until this race car kills me they are going to have to drag me out of the seat, but I was dragged out of the seat at Richmond. They thought it killed me then. I’m lucky to be back walking."

Force has been sidelined since his horrific on-track incident at the NHRA event in Richmond at Virginia Motorsports Park with a traumatic brain injury, and had not been cleared by his medical team to return to the cockpit.  

"They always say never say never, but I guess it’s official I’m done. I won’t say I won’t ever get in the car or even make a burnout, but I guess it will be up to the response from the fans. Cheer loud enough and I’ll hear ya. I beat this body up for 65 years racing and I’ve had enough." 

The NHRA World Finals will be held at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip this weekend in Pomona, California for the final event of the season.