I'm glad to see this thread again. I got to meet John at Indy a few years back and got to give him a hug. He has always been one of my favorites.
Thanks for bringing this up again. We went out to the Nationals in Indy again this year and went out to eat on Monday night. I got to talk with John again there and met Ashley's little boy Jacob. What a cutie. As we were all leaving John stood and held the door for us. Now that was special door service. Gasser Girl
16 Championships. Great job John Force. Glad to see this up once again. This year I received a phone call from John about a mutual friend of ours. Pretty cool answering the phone and hearing him on the other end.
You know, for those who think John is a "prick" he is the Mohammed Ali of Drag Racing. He has done more than any other single person to promote the sport we all love. And while he is at a National Event he meets 1000+ people every day, and each one of those people expect his full attention, and in most cases, he gives it. But like any human being, he can't be "on" 24/7. And if he is a little short with someone after just hanging up the phone where someone is giving him some bad news, he is a prick all of the sudden. John Force is alright, he is a great guy, and has done so much for the sport. BTW, I have meet Ali a couple of times, he didn't have the greatest reputation ether. After meeting him, I came away with this, he is a fine human being. And the man would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. I suspect John would be the same way.
I'm one of those guys who used to get tired of seeing John Force on drag coverage talking loudly, and thanking everyone. Just seemed over the top to me. But my attitude about him changed since I first read this post years ago. Now I could care less how loud he talks, as I have a different outlook on the man himself. Thanks for bringing this post back up again this year! I always enjoy reading it, even though I have it almost memorized now!
I can see him telling this story in person: "I was gettin a lil loose at the top end and WHAM! Logging truck. I pulled it together and never forgot how important family is!" Merry Christmas everyone.
I've met John Force @ tasca ford in Ri with my wife and 2 boys and @ gator nationals and both times he was a very nice guy.Story just made me realize why he's such a good guy.
Thanks .. It is a story I have read and I always read it again from beginning to end. He is NHRA. You love him or hate him. I love to hear him speak. Wide open all the time, talks to Elvis the first 300 feet. I had the chance to talk to him late in the day at a track. There was only a half a dozen fans left and he spent 20 mins. talking to us. Then in a twinkle of the eye he said "Gotta go Gotta go to work pay some bills" and he left..... A True Champion for our youth to look up to.
My folks are from Oklahoma too; came to California and did the best they could with what they had. Pop always had time on Sunday to take us to Fremont, Vaca Valley Raceway and HMB. Whatever you think of John Force, he is a legend and a hero to kids all over the USA. We need more people to be role models like Force, enjoy them while you can !!
The Jalopy Journal
